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Harrogate strongman returns from injury to claim world tour title

Monday, 20 October 2025 08:04

Luke Richardson after his win at the Giants Live World Tour in Glasgow. (Image: sbdapparel)

A Harrogate strongman has capped off a remarkable comeback by winning the Giants Live World Tour Finals in Glasgow - just four months after undergoing major biceps surgery.

27-year-old Luke Richardson, who earlier this year secured his second Europe’s Strongest Man title in Leeds, dominated the competition after taking victory in the second event - the Load and Push.

He maintained his lead through to the final Castle Stones challenge at the OVO Hydro.

Luke's performance saw him finish ahead of the Czech Republic’s Ondřej Fojtů and fellow Englishman Andrew Flynn in second and third place respectively.

The result marks his second Giants Live title of the season and signals a strong return to form following his injury at the World’s Strongest Man contest in May.

Luke said:

“I’ve worked hard to get back here. To recover from surgery and compete again at this level feels incredible.”

The Glasgow event opened with the BADRHINO World Log Lift Challenge, where England’s Jack Osborn set a new British record with a 222kg lift.

Fojtů also made headlines by improving his own junior world record with a 220kg lift, all in front of a crowd of 6,000.

Luke began strongly, setting a personal best of 190kg in the Log Lift and coming close to locking out 200kg.

Three-time World’s Strongest Man Tom Stoltman, competing on home soil, placed second in the Log Lift event but was unable to maintain his form across the following disciplines, finishing fifth overall.

Reflecting on his victory, Richardson said the comeback had been about resilience as much as strength:

“Injuries are part of this sport, but it’s how you respond that matters.

“I’m proud of how far I’ve come this year.”

With a clean bill of health, Luke will now turn his attention to next year’s international strongman circuit, including the 2026 World’s Strongest Man.

The Giants Live World Tour Finals are available to stream via www.officialstrongman.com.

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