World’s Strongest Man – a competition synonymous with incredible feats of strength and superhuman efforts from an elite group of athletes picked from across the globe.
So what does this supersized global phenomenon have to do with East Sussex? Well, if you follow the competition, which begins on May 15, you’ll see a young contender called Andrew Flynn making his debut, and he’s born and bred in Peacehaven.
“When I was a kid, I saw it on TV. I’d be sneakily watching it at night when my parents thought I was in bed, asleep. It fascinated me. Strongman was functional, in that it helped you in everyday life. That’s what intrigued me. All these weird and wonderful objects that you have to lift, and move from A to B, and put over your head.”
A strong start
Flynn, 33, started training at a crossfit gym in Newhaven, and his interest in strongman progressed from there.
“When I first started there was a man called Lloyd Renals. He was at the gym which I first started at. The first time I saw him I thought; ‘I’ve never seen a human that big’. How easily he lifted weights, my mind couldn’t compute. I thought ‘How do you do that?’ and then ‘Can I do that please?’
“At that point there were no strongman gyms around locally. Most gyms you go to now have some form of strongman equipment, so it’s a lot more accessible to people now than it was ten years ago when I was starting out.”
Flynn earned his strongman nickname for his speed in the moving events, such as the farmer’s walk and giant’s medley – speed he gained from his time playing rugby for Seaford.
“My nickname in strongman is Flying Flynn. When I first started, I’d been playing rugby, so I was a lot lighter, a lot more mobile. I’ve still got that speed there, so I’ve always been good at the moving events. I don’t really feel pain if I’m doing an event like that.”
Since taking part in his first strongman competition back in 2015 in Worthing, he has gone on to compete in England’s Strongest Man, Britain’s Strongest Man, Europe’s Strongest Man and now – the ultimate – World’s Strongest Man. The latter is taking place this month in California – a far cry from the training set-up he has currently in his back garden.
Family Flynn
Flynn lives with his wife and two young children, and explains that training has to fit around family life. He also works full time for Southern Rail, where he’s been for 12 years, starting out as a storeman and going on to become materials manager.
“It’s a bit bizarre really. I have a ‘typical job’ and then alongside that, I do crazy strongman stuff at the bottom of my garden at night.
“I think that’s what keeps me down to earth. I’ve got a full-time job, I’ve got kids. You don’t get carried away in all the gravitas of strongman, which can be easily done. You can do all your social media and have people telling you how great you are, but I’ve still got people chasing me for things at work and stuff to sort out in real life.”
And how does his family enjoy the strongman lifestyle?
“My wife has been supportive the whole time, and the kids love it. They have been coming along ever since they were born but now they look forward to our little family trips up to places like Sheffield or Leeds for competitions and now going to California for the World’s. They got a bit lucky there! I think their feeling is that if I’m going to take them away on a plane to California then I’ve got their blessing.
“After the shows, when my kids come up and give me a hug, I get a lump in my throat every time.”
The world stage beckons
Flynn went to both Telscombe Cliffs primary school and Peacehaven Community School when he was younger, and he has fond memories of the area.
“I used to love going across Telscombe Tye – riding my bike from Peacehaven, along the undercliff to Brighton Marina. That was so good in the summer. Now I’ve got two dogs and two kids, so anytime I can let them run off and use their energy up in a massive field is a bonus for me.”
From Sussex to Sacramento in ten years might seem like a speedy climb in success, but the journey to World’s Strongest Man hasn’t been an easy one, with Flynn suffering injuries including rupturing both biceps and having a slipped disc in his neck.
“All of a sudden it feels like I’ve shot on to the scene but actually it’s been a case of waiting five years and dealing with injuries. It’s about being sensible, taking your time and not rushing it.
“I’ve been doing this long enough now that if something in my body goes wrong, I know when to call it a day and not push.”
Healthy and hopeful
Currently in good health and preparing for his first time on the world strongman stage, Flynn seems mildly bemused to think he’ll soon be rubbing shoulders with the strongest men on Earth.
“It’s still odd. Especially now when you’re meeting World’s Strongest Man finalists and then I’m there like ‘hi’. It’s easy to put people on a pedestal and think people are larger than life.
On one hand, it’s hard to tell people it’s attainable because it’s obviously very hard to get to that level and it’s taken me ten years to do it, but they’re human as well. It’s about taking the veil down really. You understand the hard work that everyone’s put in.
When asked what he’s aiming for at World’s Strongest Man, he remains low-key but hopeful.
“Making it to the final would be *chef’s kiss*. I know what I’m capable of, so I’ll stick to that and wherever that puts me, that puts me. Nothing’s impossible now, I’ll tell you that.”
Andrew Flynn will be one of 25 athletes taking part in World’s Strongest Man, May 15-18 in Sacramento, California.
You can show him support and follow his progress on his Instagram channel.
If you’re feeling inspired by Andrew and feel like getting more active, you don’t have to be a strongman – why not get active without going to the gym, or get out and about and start walking.
