Natural vegan strongman conquers Kaos English Championship

Victory at the English Strongman Championships for vegan strongman Tom Butts

Against a backdrop of formidable weight and in an untested arena, steroid-free strongman Tom Butts recently etched his name in the history books by winning the Kaos English Strongman Championships. For Butts, a dedicated vegan strength coach who consistently competes in drug-tested events, this victory carries extra significance, proving that peak strength is achievable naturally and by following a vegan diet.

The competition presented a grueling series of challenges for athletes under the 90 kg weight category. Butts rose to the occasion, demonstrating exceptional consistency across all events.

The opening event, the 120 kg Log Overhead for Reps, saw Butts power through for four repetitions, securing a strong tie for second place. This set the tone for a day of relentless effort.

Next up was the demanding Deadlift, featuring three brutal reps with a 230 kg Axle followed immediately by seven repetitions at a hefty 270 kg. Butts’ incredible pulling power earned him another tie for second, showcasing his raw strength.

The dynamic Farmers Walk, involving carrying 135 kg in each hand over 3×10 metres, tested grip strength and endurance. Tom navigated the course in an impressive 23 seconds, claiming third place and maintaining his strong overall standing.

Event four, a punishing combination of a 300 kg Yoke carry immediately followed by a 120 kg Sandbag carry, proved to be Butts’ moment to shine. He exploded through the course in a blistering 16 seconds, securing a crucial event win and propelling him into contention for the overall title.

This dominant performance left the championship within reach as Butts entered the final, decisive event: the Sandbag to Shoulder, featuring progressively heavier bags at 100, 110, 120 and 130 kg. Despite a falter on the second bag, Butts was able to catch up to his opponent at the final bag and get his feet firmly planted just in time to take the win. He completed the series of lifts in 23 seconds to win the event and become the under 90 kg English Champion.

“I’m chuffed with the result,” exclaimed Tom, a passionate vegan strength coach with a track record of national and international competition. “Winning this competition demanded near-perfect performances across the board. The athletes were so closely matched in many events that even a minor slip-up could have cost me valuable points and the victory.”

“This is my first win in an untested competition,” Butts proudly added, “and I hope to continue collecting trophies in the untested scene, proving unequivocally that a natural, vegan athlete can achieve the highest levels of strength.”

Content sourced and adapted, with permission, from Great Vegan Athletes.