Giants Live, the official tour for the world’s strongest men and women, have visited RAF Brize Norton alongside the UK Armed Forces Strongman and Strongwoman Association for a day of community engagement and demonstration of strength and skill.
The day showcased Forces strong men and women alongside athletes from Giants Live, with a visit to Carterton Community College and a skills session in the RAF Brize Norton Gym. The day gave personnel the chance to learn about physicality and techniques, and have a go at some weight lifting challenges.
Captain Heppenstall, Operations Manager, UK Armed Forces Strongman and Strongwoman said:
“Today marked a key milestone in the UK Armed Forces Strongman and Strongwoman Association’s relationship with civilian sport. RAF Brize Norton hosted 8 of the World’s Strongest Men and Women: trailblazing world-record holders, former podium finishers at World and European championships, and emerging talent in elite UK sport. A team from UKAF Strongman and Strongwoman - representing all three services - supported various coaching serials, meet-and-greets, and Q&A sessions for service personnel serving in Brize Norton.”
Captain Heppenstall
Operations Manager
UK Armed Forces Strongman and Strongwoman
Corporal Jones-Panayiotou, RAF Strongman and Strongwoman Association said:
“Today has been an invaluable success in growing the sport of strongman and strongwoman. Not many people know that it is in fact a grassroots sport that welcomes people of all abilities. Being able to showcase events to a host of service personal and extract knowledge from both sport veterans and upcoming stars has shown to everyone involved that the sport is only just hitting its stride. The amount of interest and enthusiasm from spectators and participants has only proven that strongman and strongwoman is for everyone, and I can only see it getting bigger.”
Corporal Jones-Panayiotou
RAF Strongman and Strongwoman Association
The day attracted personnel from across RAF Brize Norton and the wider Armed Forces, as a true tri-service event, with personnel able to engage with professional athletes in the sport, ask questions, and see them in action.
Surgeon Lieutenant-Commander Griffiths, Officer in Command Royal Navy Strongman said:
“Having recently been recognised as a Royal Navy sport, RN Strongman and Strongwoman is just getting started, but it’s already proving the grit, heart, and determination our sailors are known for. From grassroots lifters to future champions, we’re proud to see this sport officially flying the White Ensign and I can’t wait to see how far it will go! Today has been invaluable in forming tri-service links and highlighting the inclusivity of the sport and its benefits to all service personnel”
Surgeon Lieutenant-Commander Griffiths
Officer in Command Royal Navy Strongman
