In August 2020, we reported that Strongman competitor Chris Colbert, a student with The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC), had been using the first lockdown to keep up an impressive weight training regime at home.
This prompted Chris to take on the challenge of training for three strongman competitions whilst raising funds for a vital upgrade to RNC’s on-site student gym. The gym is specially adapted for use by visually impaired (VI) students at the College for their general fitness as well as those studying for sports and personal trainer qualifications.
Despite the pandemic and a back injury, Chris powered through and his efforts paid off. In September 2020, he picked up a trophy, placing second in the ‘West Yorkshire Strongest Man and Woman’ competition.
In October, he was back in action at ‘England’s Most Powerful 2020’. His day didn’t quite go to plan when a back injury struck during the competition. Although suffering, Chris completed all events and came in at a very creditable 15th place in a field of 30 competitors.
Following some well-deserved rest and recuperation, Chris was back in training for the third and final competition – The World’s Strongest Disabled Man 2020.
This took place on 27 December and we’re thrilled to report that Chris placed fourth overall in the international competition and third among the UK competitors.
On completion of this epic strongman challenge, Chris said:
‘I feel great, it’ a really good feeling to have taken part in all three competitions – I really didn’t think we’d pull it off given the many ups and downs over the last year but, I’m thrilled to have taken part and picked up some trophies along the way. I’d really like to thank my trainer back in Doncaster, Andrew Lumley of ‘Viking Power & Strength’ for his support and encouragement and to Aaron Rees, my teacher at RNC.’
Chris is now looking forward to UK competitions in Suffolk and Doncaster in 2021 and there’s a possibility he might get to attend the ‘Arnold Classic’ in the USA. Watch this space.
In the meantime, it’s not too late to donate to Chris’ appeal, head to his JustGiving page here: https://justgiving.com/campaign/chrisstrongmanchallenge
