Tom Stoltman Battles Bicep Injury at 2025 Strongest Man On Earth

[Kayce]

Tom Stoltman, a three-time World’s Strongest Man champion and perennial favorite in global strength competitions, shocked fans with an eighth-place finish at the 2025 Strongest Man On Earth. His placement, well below expectations, was not due to lack of preparation or effort—but rather the result of a painful bicep injury that hampered his performance throughout the contest.


Tom Stoltman INJURED at Strongest Man on Earth

The Origin of the Bicep Strain​

Leading into the event, Stoltman experienced a strain in training. Scans and ultrasound imaging showed no tears, prompting him and his coach Shane to proceed. However, once the heavy events began, the issue escalated. The Log Lift event proved particularly taxing—Tom struggled to clean the log to his shoulders, and the strain only intensified as the competition progressed.

“You can’t cheat an injury. The bruising just kept spreading under the pressure,” Tom admitted in his post-event video.

How the Injury Impacted Key Events​

The Strongest Man On Earth is grueling across multiple disciplines, and a compromised bicep affects nearly every lift:

• Log Lift – Difficulty cleaning the log due to arm pain.
• Deadlift variations – Grip and pulling power restricted by the strain.
• Stone Loading – A signature Stoltman event became nearly impossible with limited arm function.

His coach even considered pulling him out mid-contest, but Tom chose to grind through.

Stoltman’s 2025 Season Performance So Far​

Tom’s injury comes amid an already challenging season:

• 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic – 7th place finish.
• 2025 World’s Strongest Man – Narrow 2nd place, only half a point behind the champion.
• 2025 Strongest Man On Earth – 8th place, under injury strain.

Despite setbacks, Tom’s consistency proves his elite status in the sport.

Upcoming Competitions for Tom Stoltman​

The season is far from over, and Stoltman plans to push forward despite his setback. His 2025 calendar includes:

• Giants Live Strongman Open & World Deadlift Championships
• Rogue Invitational

Strongman fans hope his bicep heals in time to showcase his trademark power and dominance.

Other Injuries at the 2025 Strongest Man On Earth​

Stoltman was not the only competitor hit by injury:

• Shane Flowers – Tore his lat on day one, ending his contest early.
• Bobby Thompson – Withdrew mid-competition and later announced his retirement.

The toll of elite-level strongman competition continues to highlight the extreme demands placed on athletes.

Legacy Beyond Injury​

With 45 career international and national appearances and seven victories, including three World’s Strongest Man titles, Tom Stoltman remains one of the sport’s greatest icons. His resilience in competing through injury underscores his determination to extend his legacy.