THE UK’s first disabled strongman is gearing up for yet another summer of heavy lifting and international jet-setting.

Gary Clarke, who lives in Ilminster and has cerebral palsy, will be competing in America’s Strongest Adaptive Athlete in April, and founded the Britain’s Disabled Strongman competition which is taking place this year in May.

He has started the year in good form, recently setting a personal best on the giant atlas stones and competing for the first time in the seated deadlift event.

“My rule is always no excuses, no limits. If you put your mind to it you can adapt,” Gary said.

“I don’t suffer from cerebral palsy. I have it, but I don’t suffer from it. I think doing the strongman, this proves that point entirely.

“Just put your mind to it. I was born this way so I don’t know any different. I am the pioneer and founder of all of this.

“This for me is the best way to promote disabilities. Just getting out and doing things.”

Gary, who is originally from Chard, first competed in the World’s Strongest Disabled Man in 2011, where event founder Arnar Mar Jonsson inspired in to set up a national event.

“Without him, this wouldn’t have happened,” Gary added.

The World’s Strongest Disabled Man competition, which was held in Reykjavik, Iceland, was also organised by Magnús Ver Magnússon who won the title of World’s Strongest Man four times.

From ten competitors last year, the Britain’s Disabled Strongman competition is set to have more than 20 competitors this year, and Gary said they may be forced to introduce a qualifying process for future events due to the sheer number of entrants.

In May, Gary will attempt to take the top prize at the Strongman Sanctuary in Kent from the current holder, Lee Small.

The British competition consists of six events; the truck pull, the log lift, a seated deadlift, the Atlas stones, Thor’s hammer, and Hercules’ hold.

For the last event, the Hercules’ Hold, competitor’s strength and grip are tested as they hold onto two handles attached to giant pillars, which try to pull the strongman’s arms apart.

At the end of last month, Gary set his new personal best for the Atlas stones of 80 kilograms, and competed for the first time in the seated deadlift event. He trains four times a week, often working with twice Britain’s Strongest Man winner, Laurence Shahlaei.

Gary said: “All credit goes to the guys who have taken it on and a big thank you to the people that have helped me on my journey. I am really proud of how it has developed.”

Gary, who has a degree in sports coaching from Yeovil College, is also helping to train up the new competitors coming into the strongman scene.

Gary is sponsored by Druce’s Barber in Chard.