23
Oct
Harrogate strongman Luke Richardson targets 2027 comeback after World Tour Finals
Harrogate strongman Luke Richardson is setting his sights on a successful return to the sport’s top level in 2027 after finishing seventh at the World Tour Finals in Glasgow.
The two-time Europe’s Strongest Man champion has endured a difficult year following the death of his close friend and fellow strongman Pa O’Dwyer in January.
He withdrew from Britain's Strongest Man and the Arnold Strongman Classic and although he subsequently returned to competition, he admitted he was struggling to overcome the emotional impact of Pa’s death.
The former lifeguard at Starbeck Baths married long-term partner Laura last month before heading to Scotland to defend his World Tour Finals title.
He was never expected to challenge for top spot this time after such a turbulent year, but he managed a 200kg personal best in the log lift at the start of the competition before fading to seventh.
He told his 127,000 Instagram followers that the event, which was the last Giants Live strongman contest of 2026, was “the final opportunity to prove to myself I have what it takes to return to the great heights I have fallen so far from”.
He added:
Objectively not the best placing, but also not the best prep, and wasn’t a million miles off. The biggest positive from the weekend — my head and heart was in it for the first time this year. I can build on this, and I will. This time is different. Roll on 2027.
Luke's phenomenal effort on the log lift was one of the day’s most memorable moments. One person commented:
"The grit you showed on the log press and the roar of the crowd was the a highlight of the show for me!"
Czechia’s Ondřej Fojtů won in Glasgow to claim his third successive Giants Live victory.
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