The reigning three-time World’s Strongest Man (WSM), Tom Stoltman, had a surprisingly underwhelming showing at the 2024 USA Strongman Championships on Sept 28, 2024, in Las Vegas, NV, finishing in last place among 10 athletes. 

Following his withdrawal from the 2024 Giants Live World Tour Finals due to a spinal disc and nerve injury, Stoltman announced a major overhaul of his training and competition strategy on Oct. 10, 2024, including a new coach and a revised competition schedule.

The four shows Stoltman is prioritizing include the Arnold Strongman Classic, Rogue Strongman Invitational, Shaw Classic, and WSM.

Stoltman and his long-time coach, Dan Hipkiss, mutually agreed to part ways. Hipkiss, who guided Stoltman to three WSM titles, could not effectively address Stoltman’s recent spinal injury and support his rehabilitation.

Injury rehab specialist and coach Aaron Caseley (MSc, Osteopath) will guide Stoltman through the remainder of the 2024-25 Strongman season. Caseley will focus on resolving the underlying issues that have hampered Stoltman’s performance over the past six to seven months.

Reflecting on his previous training, Stoltman admitted to “not training smart” and expressed confidence that this new partnership will enable him to train effectively around his injuries and reach peak performance.

“[Caseley] was so scientific about my disc injury… it was crazy what he was talking about,” Stoltman said. While Stoltman remained tight-lipped about the specifics of his new training program, he emphasized a “back to basics” approach prioritizing recovery and pain management.

Stoltman admitted to struggling mentally since the injuries but revealed that working with Caseley has provided significant relief and renewed optimism. Stoltman is ready to prove himself once again.

“If I go into 2024 Rogue Strongman Invitational with a good mindset and physically feel good, mentally feel good, that I’m going to win it,” Stoltman said.

Tom Stoltman’s Upcoming Competitions

2024 Rogue Strongman Invitational: Stoltman will next compete at the 2024 Rogue Strongman Invitational on Nov. 8-10, 2024, in Aberdeen, Scotland, where he aims to pull a 420-kilogram (925-pound) raw deadlift without pain. He believes the events, including a raw deadlift max, farmer’s carry into log press, and Inver Stones, are well-suited to his strengths.

2025 Arnold Strongman Classic: Stoltman will test his new training regime at the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic in Ohio, using the competition to showcase his progress with Caseley.

Stoltman is taking a more selective approach to competition, limiting himself to four annual events. Notably absent from his schedule are Giants Live events. “People are getting Giants Live tickets for Royal Albert Hall, Tom Stoltman will not be there,” he stated.

Featured image: @tomstoltmanofficial on Instagram

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