Tom Stoltman Prioritizes Sandbag Steeplechase Training In His Final 2024 World’s Strongest Man Workout

Tom Stoltman may have to fight through fatigue within the sandbag steeplechase event.

Last updated on April twenty third, 2024

Two-time World’s Strongest Man (WSM) Tom “The Albatross” Stoltman (2021-22) performed his final training session ahead of the 2024 World’s Strongest Man competitionset for May 1-5, 2024, in Myrtle Beach, SC. Following his second-place finish last 12 months to Mitchell Hooper, Stoltman is set to reclaim the throne and grow to be only the seventh athlete ever to win the WSM title at the least 3 times; he would tie Bill Kazmaier’s three WSM titles.

Stoltman receives consistent motivation from his brother and training partner, two-time Europe’s Strongest Man Luke Stoltman. While Luke is amidst competition, Tom trains solo on the Stoltman Strength Centre in Invergordon, UK.

Tom Stoltman’s 2024 WSM prep has prioritized training in three events:

Take a glimpse into Stoltman’s preparation via the video below:

[Related: Martins Licis Will Take Eight Months Off From Competition to Recover From Sciatica]

Sandbag Steeplechase

Sandbag steeplechase encompasses hoisting a sandbag, transporting it over a bar for a certain distance, after which carrying it a further short distance. In training, Stoltman completes three standard repetitions in 45 seconds, followed by a single prolonged repetition using a heavier sandbag.

Stoltman began by lifting 125-kilogram sandbags for the primary three reps and concluded with a rep with a 150-kilogram sandbag. During his final effort, Stoltman sensed an unusual heaviness. Upon checking, he discovered he’d been lifting a 180-kilogram sandbag, mistakenly filled for a shoulder toss training session for the 2024 Arnold Classic.

Equipped with a weightlifting belt and knee sleeves, Stoltman highlights the bottleneck when performing sandbag steeplechase doubles isn’t strength but cardio. He felt strain on his back and glutes throughout the exercise and located his training involved learning to more comfortably persevere through fatigue.

Yoke Walk

Stoltmand drank his intra-workout beverage before walking his 400-kilogram yoke a brief distance. He typically trains yoke twice weekly; he increases the load when training alongside Luke.

Atlas Stones

Tom Stoltman is the reigning world record holder within the Atlas Stones, lifting 286 kilograms (630 kilos). He is presumed the defacto winner in any Atlas Stones event, hence his nickname as “King of the Stones.” Other athletes, including reigning WSM champion Hooper, plan around Tom Stoltman having an event win already locked up in any contest where the Atlas Stones are featured.

Stoltman’s Atlas Stones training routine features Romanian deadlift and front squat biomechanics. He lifts a 210-kilogram stone to a platform for 10 reps.

Can Stoltman Claim His Third WSM?

Stoltman is one in all the favorites heading into the 2024 WSM contest. He and Hooper will likely battle for the highest spot, as other top contenders Martins Licis, Mateusz Kieliszkowski, and Oleksii Novikov have all withdrawn. However, anything can occur on strongman’s biggest stage, and a surprise contender could shake things up in Myrtle Beach.