Tom Stoltman calls Inverness weightlifter with Down’s syndrome ‘the biggest legend’ in ringing endorsement from World’s Strongest Man
An Inverness weightlifter with Down’s Syndrome has received an endorsement from none other than the World’s Strongest Man, Tom Stoltman.
Richard Sutherland is in training at Inverness Olympic Weightlifting Club ahead of his first competition, the Northern District Championships in June.
The 50-year-old, who lives at Oak Ridge Residential Home, will be taking part in an adaptive weightlifting competition, which will also be taking place at Inverness Olympic Weightlifting Club’s premises at Thornbush Road in Merkinch.
Sutherland was inspired to get involved into weightlifting after watching Invergordon athlete Tom Stoltman’s success in the World Strongest Man competition.
Stoltman has won the World Strongest Man’s title three times in 2021, 2022 and 2024. He is one of only seven athletes in history to win the World’s Strongest Man title at least three times.
Sutherland also had the opportunity to meet Stoltman at Inverness Olympic Weightlifting Club where he had the chance to train alongside him and get some tips on how to improve his strength and conditioning.
He previously said: “Tom Stoltman is my hero. He came down to the gym to meet me here and also gave me a talk on how to train for competition and I learned a lot.”
After his story was featured on STV, Stoltman himself shared it on social media, commenting: “The biggest legend with the biggest heart.”
