Thurso strongman powers to UK title
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THURSO strongman Ryan Macintosh proved he is the best of British when he powered his way in his weight class to claim the title of Britain’s Natural Strongest Man.
The 28-year-old muscled his way to his first UK title in the under-105kg category against some of the strongest athletes in the country.
It is the biggest win of his career for Macintosh who is already looking forward to defending in 2017.
He said: “I managed to place first in three events, second in two events and fifth in one event to accumulate enough points to grant me the win.
“With the strongman season over for me now, I look forward to a week or two of rest.
"Then it is into off-season training to attempt to improve myself and try and retain the title next year.”
Macintosh finished fifth in the axle overhead press round, managing to push 125kg, and quickly improved in the second round to win the car dead lift when he managed 12 reps.
He continued his impressive performance in the 250kg Conan’s wheel for maximum distance event when he managed three complete revolutions to win the third round.
He maintained his lead in the 285kg frame carry for 25 metres in the fastest time, managing 11.5 seconds, to achieve second place.
He then won the eight-tonne tractor pull for 15 metres in 56 seconds and secured the title in the atlas stones. He lifted five atlas stones, ranging in weight from 110kg to 150kg, in 55 seconds for second place which was good enough to secure the overall title.
Simon Thomas, from Wales, finished second while Dan Frazier, from England, finished third.
Macintosh competed in the Caithness Strongest Man competition between 2011 and 2014 which he helped organise and won every year.
In 2014 he made his debut in Britain’s Natural Strongest Man under-105kg where he finished in third.
He also won the title of Scotland's Natural Strongest Man in May for the first time.
Having given up other sports, he is fully focused on progressing his strongman career which takes a huge commitment in terms of training.
“I have always been a regular in the gym,” he said. “When I heard about the strongman competitions, I decided that I would have a go.
“There was myself and a couple of friends who organised and took part in the Caithness Strongest Man competition.
"We have been doing it the last few years and I have just progressed from there to taking part in national competitions in which I have done quite well.”
To maintain top condition, he visits Naver Gym in Thurso five times a week, spending at least two hours a day pumping iron.
He works offshore as a production technician and, once his shift is over, he is straight into the gym on his North Sea rig. As well as working out, he maintains a strict diet.
He said: “Each time I come home, I have to buy 15 kilogrammes of chicken to last me for three weeks to help me with my diet and stay in top condition.
“I eat between five to six meals a day to help maintain my body shape and eat chicken pretty much every day.”
Macintosh's victory in the UK championship also qualified him to take part in the World Championships, but due to work commitments he has ruled himself out of competing.
But when he heads back to the gym in preparation of his Scottish and UK title defence in 2017, he also hopes to make his international debut.
“The win granted me a qualification spot through to the World’s Natural Strongest Man 2016, which will be held in Finland.
“Unfortunately, I am unable to attend due to work commitments, but I look forward to another attempt next year if available."
