Tom Stoltman's transformation from a bullied teenager to the world's strongest man is a testament to the power of embracing one's uniqueness and cultivating mental toughness.
As a skinny 16-year-old with glasses, autism, and sticking-out teeth, Tom felt like an outcast in school. Bullied for being different, he turned to video games and skipping meals for sweets as coping mechanisms. However, it was his older brother Luke, who had become a bodybuilding competitor at the time, that intervened and introduced Tom to weightlifting.
At first, Tom struggled with the 20kg barbell, but soon found himself enjoying the process of lifting and working out. With his autism as a "cheat code," Tom could lock into routine and block out distractions. He ditched snacks for protein-rich meals and focused on building strength to compete in strongman competitions.
Ten years later, Tom has transformed from a 90kg, 6ft-8in skinny kid to an imposing figure at 180kg – the same weight as a large lion. He now eats five times a day to fuel his training, consuming eight boiled eggs with cheese and mayonnaise for breakfast alone.
Tom's strongman career is nothing short of remarkable. In 2021, he became the world's strongest man at just 27 years old, defeating industry veterans to take the title. He has since won it twice more, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.
Despite his physical prowess, Tom attributes his success not to his appearance but to the mental toughness and self-acceptance that come from embracing his uniqueness. "A lot of people think strongmen are fat guys lifting one rep," he says, but Tom's story proves otherwise. With a BMI that doesn't reflect his health due to his low cholesterol levels, Tom is proof that you can be fit at any shape or size.
When asked how he feels about his body now, Tom proudly declares himself "proud of it." Not because of the biceps, but because of the mental toughness and superhuman strength his body represents. His latest feat, helping a man push a broken-down car off the road, is a testament to his newfound confidence and capabilities.
Tom's journey from an awkward teenager to the world's strongest man serves as a powerful reminder that our differences can be turned into strengths with the right mindset and support.
As a skinny 16-year-old with glasses, autism, and sticking-out teeth, Tom felt like an outcast in school. Bullied for being different, he turned to video games and skipping meals for sweets as coping mechanisms. However, it was his older brother Luke, who had become a bodybuilding competitor at the time, that intervened and introduced Tom to weightlifting.
At first, Tom struggled with the 20kg barbell, but soon found himself enjoying the process of lifting and working out. With his autism as a "cheat code," Tom could lock into routine and block out distractions. He ditched snacks for protein-rich meals and focused on building strength to compete in strongman competitions.
Ten years later, Tom has transformed from a 90kg, 6ft-8in skinny kid to an imposing figure at 180kg – the same weight as a large lion. He now eats five times a day to fuel his training, consuming eight boiled eggs with cheese and mayonnaise for breakfast alone.
Tom's strongman career is nothing short of remarkable. In 2021, he became the world's strongest man at just 27 years old, defeating industry veterans to take the title. He has since won it twice more, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.
Despite his physical prowess, Tom attributes his success not to his appearance but to the mental toughness and self-acceptance that come from embracing his uniqueness. "A lot of people think strongmen are fat guys lifting one rep," he says, but Tom's story proves otherwise. With a BMI that doesn't reflect his health due to his low cholesterol levels, Tom is proof that you can be fit at any shape or size.
When asked how he feels about his body now, Tom proudly declares himself "proud of it." Not because of the biceps, but because of the mental toughness and superhuman strength his body represents. His latest feat, helping a man push a broken-down car off the road, is a testament to his newfound confidence and capabilities.
Tom's journey from an awkward teenager to the world's strongest man serves as a powerful reminder that our differences can be turned into strengths with the right mindset and support.
- Tom's transformation from being bullied to becoming the world's strongest man is truly inspiring! 
It's like, he found his passion in weightlifting and it completely changed his life for the better. And you know what's even cooler? He's still super proud of himself, body and all 
. I think we can all learn from Tom's example - being different isn't something to be ashamed of, it's something that can make us unique and strong in our own ways 
. Plus, his autism actually helped him focus during workouts, so that's like a superpower right there 
. Anyway, I'm just so happy for Tom and all the people he's inspiring with his story 
!
He always said his autism was a "cheat code" lol, like it helped him focus or something 
And omg 8 boiled eggs with cheese and mayonnaise for breakfast? that sounds crazy delicious 
I'm definitely inspired by his story though - its all about embracing what makes you unique and not giving up on your dreams 
Like, who wouldn't want to lift heavy weights and smash stuff? But at the same time, 5 meals a day with eggs and mayonnaise for breakfast sounds like a recipe for disaster... 
And what's up with all these "cheat codes" and mental toughness talk? It just sounds like he's trying too hard to be different. Still, I suppose it's nice that he's found something he's passionate about and isn't letting his differences hold him back. Maybe.
. I think we can all learn from Tom's story and remember that being different is what makes us special. We should all be proud of who we are, regardless of our shape or size 
8 boiled eggs with cheese and mayonnaise for breakfast alone? That's dedication! Anyway, it's inspiring to see someone turn their struggles into strength, literally 
It's so cool that he was able to turn his autism into a 'cheat code' to help him stay focused & motivated in his training. Can we talk about how amazing it is that he eats 5 times a day and still manages to be healthy? 
I'm totally taking notes from this guy on how to boost my own mental game 
It just goes to show that being different ain't always a bad thing 
. I love how he found weightlifting as a way to cope with bullying and turned it into his passion 
. We should all be more like Tom - confident in who we are and rocking our differences like they're superpowers 
and let me tell you, 8 boiled eggs with cheese and mayonnaise for breakfast is a game changer 
i'm definitely getting into weightlifting now, who's with me? 
I mean, who would've thought a 16-year-old skinny kid with autism would become the world's strongest man? 
! his autism actually helped him focus & stay on track w/ weightlifting & it's so sick that he's proof u can be fit at any shape or sizeBMI doesn't matter when u got the mental toughness & self-acceptance 
I can totally relate to Tom's story, you know? Being different can be super tough, especially when it feels like everyone else gets to fit in easily. But what if we told ourselves that those 'quirks' are actually our superpowers waiting to happen? 
I mean, I get it, he's strongman competitions and all that, but must we see every single meal he eats?! It's getting out of hand over here... 
.
. but what if we flipped that mindset on its head and saw our differences as the things that make us special instead of weaknesses to be hidden?
. so yeah, let's all try to celebrate our uniqueness instead of trying to hide from it