A TULLIBODY man has proven he is the strongest of the strongest in Scotland after taking the top spot on the podium at a competition.

It was a “dream come true” for Chris Beetham this month as family and friends cheered him on at the Ultimate Strongman Scotland’s Strongest Man 2024 competition, held at Grangemouth Stadium.

The inspiring 36-year-old achieved the feat after defying the odds, having suffered a broken back while playing rugby back in 2014.

Just two years following the injury, Chris began competing in strongman events after receiving encouragement from a friend he made during rehabilitation.

Eight years on, the Clacks strongman has been competing annually and even lifted the legendary Dinnie Stones, two giant granite boulders weighing a total of 52 stones.

Chris has been competing in the Ultimate Strongman federation for four years and told the Advertiser after claiming the title: “The competition is renowned for being one of the toughest in Scotland and one of two major titles available.

“Events included a 140kg sack carry for distance, 300kg deadlift for repetitions, an overhead medley, bag toss up to 20kg-28kg over a 4m bar for the fastest time and the coveted stones of strength.

“I got off to a good start placing third in the carry for distance with the former champion Louis Jack down in tenth.

“That set the tone for the day with Louis trying to claw back points all day. I managed seven reps of the deadlift for second, all the bags in 28s for third place and then won the overhead medley.

“I knew I needed a fast four stones out of the five to secure the win so that's what I done, placing fifth in the final event.”

It was a day of tricky conditions with rain and many of the competitors were inconsistent while Chris managed to keep racking up the points, staying ahead of main rival and three-time champion Louis.

Chris done his best in the overhead medley as the only man to complete the five implements, earning a huge roar from a 1,700 strong crowd.

Usually his best event, the stones went the worst on the day but Chris reckons under different circumstances he would have loaded them all.

With the highest score at the end of the day, Chris added: “Getting the win was pretty emotional, my partner Kirsty was there, my mum and dad, training partners and so many friends and supporters in the crowd.

"It was a dream come true.”

READ MORE: Organisers begin preparations for 166th Famous Alva Games


Chris has been looking to secure the title for years now and there was strong sportsmanship on the day with rival Louis, who finished second, brining a beer over to help mark the achievement.

Still on a high, Chris is setting his sights and focus on the Europe’s Strongest Man event in five weeks.

He added: “I'm certainly taking some confidence and momentum going in now.

“I have also qualified for next year’s UK Strongest Man again, that will be my fourth year there too and certainly aiming for a podium.”