IT’S been a summer to remember for University Hospital’s Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) physio Joe Roberts as he got married and had his first attempt at becoming Wales’s strongest man.
The 26-year-old recently tried his hand at dragging an eight-tonne truck at the national tournament for the very first time, finishing the contest in eighth place out of 12.
Joe went to Coventry University and has gone on to work at UHCW as an intensive care physiotherapist.
Wales’s strongest man is a televised competition which involves gruelling challenges including a 200kg duck walk, 80-110kg block press and a 305kg car lift.
Joe spends each week doing three gym sessions in Coventry and another specialist strength session in Dudley.
“I only got into Strongman less than 18 months ago, I started with a local novice tournament, then an intermediate one in Suffolk and finally Wales’ Strongest Man” he said.
“I’m pretty happy with how I did – all the challenges went quite well apart from the block press.
“It was a bit strange competing in front of 1,500 people and having the television cameras there though, I’m used to doing it in car parks in front of 30-50 people.
“It was a lot of fun doing the truck push, but I certainly wouldn’t have wanted to do that uphill.”
Joe, who also married his partner Rita this week, said he will be looking to crack into the top five at next year’s tournament- with the ultimate aim being to become Wales’s strongest man.
“Rita’s as surprised as I am that I’ve got this far in Strongman already, but she’s done so much to support me along the way.
“I’m just looking forward to taking a bit of time off now before competing again next year.”
