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A Jerseyman who battled it out to become England’s strongest man has come third in this year’s under 105kg category, gaining a place in the UK-wide competition.
James Stuart, a local athlete and personal trainer, took part in the competition held in Doncaster last weekend.
The 41-year-old said that “adrenaline and determination” got him through the competition, which involved six events including pulling an 8 tonne truck and deadlifting a car.
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James said he was nervous about the competition, having been unwell in the run-up to the event.
"It was a case of resting on the week and hoping all the hard work paid off," he said.
James was one of six weightlifters who qualified from the South of England and he joined more than 15 competitors from across England for the final.
Contestants first had to conquer the log lift, lifting a 10kg log over their head, before pulling a yoke with 380kg of weight a distance of 20 metres.
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"It was the first time in quite a few years that it's been such a strong field of athletes, so it was an intense competition," he said. "The points were very close, there were only a couple of points between the top six.
"It was all to play for really."
His wife, Helen, said: “It is an amazing achievement for anyone, let alone a homegrown athlete who receives no funding and trains in his garage at home.”
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"It's hard not having the right facilities to train 100% in Jersey," James said. "I've only got equipment that I've managed to purchase over the last two years."
"I train in my garage and outside the front of my house. My neighbours are very understanding luckily!"
Prior to the event, James also practised pulling a 9 tonne truck offered up by local business Book My Space.
He is taking a few days off for recovery before he starts work towards the UK-wide competition on 31 July.
“To all the people that believe in me, thank you for your support, it’s greatly appreciated,” James said.
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