Army Corporal Rhys Calland Crowned Europe’s Strongest Man

Corporal Rhys Calland, a serving member of the British Army, has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the title of Europe’s Strongest Man in the open weight category. The 30-year-old from Paignton, Devon, becomes the first active member of the armed forces to compete at the European level in the men’s open category, marking a significant achievement for both himself and military sports.

The strongman competition, which featured the heaviest lifts, took place in Doncaster this month. Calland described the victory as “surreal” and a “good feeling,” reflecting on his journey from watching strongman events on television as a child to lifting the coveted trophy.

A Disciplined Regimen

Calland’s success is attributed to “hard work and discipline,” principles he applies both in his military service and his rigorous training. He revealed that even on days when motivation wavers, the key is to “keep grinding.” This dedication has seen him progress from local car park competitions to major, ticketed events like Europe’s Strongest Man, organized by Natural Strongman.

“I’d paid to watch these events before, so knowing I was now the person people had come to see and meet was very strange,” Calland commented on the shift in his role. He noted that despite the unusual experience, he did not suffer from nerves, instead steeling himself for the contest. His favorite event was the deadlift, where he successfully completed four repetitions of 310kg (49st) lifts.

Path to the Title

Calland’s strongman career began at the age of 14 when he started training in his parents’ garage. He later integrated his training with his army life, serving with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers based in Somerset. He initially sought strongman competitions as a way to “try something new” and escape the monotony of a decade-long training routine.

His journey to the European title involved several qualifying stages. He placed third in a southern qualifier for England’s Strongest Man before finishing tenth in the main England’s Strongest Man competition. His previous accolades include winning Devon’s Strongest Man twice, the Armed Forces Strongest Man title, and first place at the WHEA World Championships in Finland in October 2025.

Growing Support for Strongman in the Army

Calland highlighted the increasing recognition and support for strongman within the Army as a crucial factor in his success. “It’s really important for the sport to grow. We’re getting more funding for kit and equipment,” he stated. This support has enabled him to train full-time, being released from regular duties to dedicate more time to training, often twice a day. He humorously refers to himself as a “tracksuit soldier.”

Key Events in the Competition

The Europe’s Strongest Man title was secured through a series of demanding events:
* Axle deadlift: Maximum repetitions with a 310kg (49st) bar. Calland managed four reps.
* Press medley: Overhead press of a 140kg (22st) log.
* Yoke and carry: Dragging a 360kg (57st) frame 10m, then loading it with a 140kg (22st) sandbag and dragging it back.
* Sandbag throwing: Throwing sandbags up to 28kg (4st) over a 4.2m (13ft) bar.
* Dumbbell ladder: Lifting progressively heavier dumbbells overhead, including 60kg (9st), 70kg (11st), 80kg (13st), and 90kg (14st).
* Sandbag loading: Loading 140kg (22st) sandbags as many times as possible.

Nutrition and Future Ambitions

The soldier’s demanding regimen includes consuming up to 6,000 calories daily to fuel his intense training. His diet typically consists of multiple meals and snacks throughout the day, featuring items like eggs, oats, protein bars, Greek yogurt, spaghetti, chili con carne, chicken, rice, and milk.

Calland, a father of two, also prioritizes family time, enjoying fishing and beach trips. His next major challenge is the World’s Strongest Man competition, scheduled to take place in Glasgow in August. He remains focused on consistent effort, emphasizing that “you just have to keep doing it over and over again.” He believes athletes reach peak strength later in life, stating, “You’re not at your peak strength until you’re 37,” and intends to continue competing.

Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|—|—|
| Champion | Corporal Rhys Calland |
| Title Won | Europe’s Strongest Man (Open Weight Category) |
| Location of Competition | Doncaster, England |
| Next Competition | World’s Strongest Man in Glasgow |
| Calland’s Military Service | Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers |

This victory not only signifies a personal triumph for Corporal Calland but also brings increased attention to strongman as a sport within military circles, potentially leading to further support and opportunities for service members.

Source: Yahoo Sports, https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/army-corporal-names-europes-strongest-052016051.html

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