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Graham Hicks
Graham Hicks
Graham Hicks
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Graham Hicks (born 15 November 1985 in Morecambe, Lancashire)[2] is an English strongman and powerlifter.

Key Information

A Britain's Strongest Man champion and a two time Europe's Strongest Man bronze medalist, he is one of the best deadlifters in strongman.

Personal life

[edit]

Graham Hicks was born in 1985 in Morecambe, Lancashire.[2] He was a keen sportsman in his childhood and teens although his main interest was football. He started training in the gym as a bodybuilder and at the age of 25, a friend asked him to try strongman training with him. He caught the strength bug, altered his training to accommodate this, and has since been exceedingly successful.

In 2013, Hicks had a full-time job working as a design support engineer for BAE Systems, starting as an apprentice.[3]

Strongman career

[edit]

Hicks' career as a strongman began in 2010 as an under 105 kg competitor. He came seventh at the 2010 Northern England u105kg Qualifier and third at the 2010 England's Strongest Man u105 contests.

In 2011, he dominated the u105kg scene and made his first foray into the Open weight class beating people who were considerably heavier than himself.

In 2012, he came in fourth at the qualifier for Europe's Strongest Man. Whilst this didn't earn him a spot at Europe's, he did get an invitation to Britain's Strongest Man where placed fourth. This placing gave him an invitation to the World's Strongest Man competition, held in LA. He managed fourth place in his group and even won his first event, the loading race.

One of Hicks' key strength has been his pressing power. He was the first person in the UK to lift a 200 kg (441 lb) log and has since gone on to press a 211 kg (465 lb) log in World Log Lifting Championships in 2015, sharing the British log record with Eddie Hall.[4]

In 2017 Strongman Champions League Fibo, Hicks broke Krzysztof Radzikowski's Log press (with SCL giant log) world record with 207 kg (456 lb).

In September 2020, Hicks competed at the 2020 Europe's Strongest Man competition and achieved a new British record in the Log Lift, lifting 220 kg (485 lb) and placed fourth in the overall competition.[5] In November 2020, Hicks competed at the 2020 World's Strongest Man competition and qualified for his first final. However, he had to withdraw from the competition due to a bicep tear.[6]

In September 2021, Hicks placed 3rd at the 2021 Europe's Strongest Man competition.[7] This also earned him an invite to the 2022 World's Strongest Man. However, he declined his invitation, as he was not permitted to travel to the United States from the United Kingdom due to his COVID-19 vaccination status.[8] Hicks returned to the WSM competition in 2023, but did not make the final.[9]

In 2023, Hicks won the World Deadlift Championships by lifting 470 kg (1,036 lb) in Cardiff,[10] becoming the seventh highest deadlifter in strongman at that point.

In 2024, Hicks spent much of the year training to beat Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson's 501 kg (1,105 lb) all-time world record deadlift from 2020 during 2024 World Deadlift Championships, however he came in joint-seventh place at the event, only being able to lift 425 kg (937 lb).[11]

Hicks returned to competition in 2025 by placing 6th at the Giants Live organized England's Strongest Man. In August, he continued his comeback by winning his first international competition in six years at the Strongman Champions League Poland. He shared victory in the first event and ultimately finished three points clear of Oskar Ziolkowski.[12]

Personal Records

[edit]

Strongman

  • Deadlift (Equipped & with figure 8 straps) – 470 kg (1,036 lb) (2023 World Deadlift Championships)
  • Log press – 220 kg (485 lb) (2020 Europe's Strongest Man)[5]
  • Log press (with SCL giant log) – 207 kg (456 lb) (2017 SCL Fibo) (World Record)[13]
  • Max Atlas stone – 193 kg (425 lb) as a part of a 4 stone run (2021 Shaw Classic)
  • Super Yoke – 450 kg (992 lb) for 20 m (66 ft) in 8.61 secs (2018 Britain's Strongest Man) (World Record)[14]

Powerlifting

  • Squat (Raw with wraps) – 440 kg (970 lb) (2019 Big Dogs 4)
  • Bench press (Raw) – 270 kg (595 lb) (2019 Big Dogs 4)
  • Deadlift (Raw) – 405 kg (893 lb) (2018 Andy Bolton Deadlift Challenge)
  • Total – 1,100 kg (2,425 lb) (440 + 270 + 390 kg (970 + 595 + 860 lb)) (2019 Big Dogs 4)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Graham Hicks

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Graham Hicks (born 15 November 1985) is an English strongman competitor and powerlifter from , . He won the 2019 competition, having placed second in 2014 and 2018, and competed as a finalist in the . Hicks is recognized as the United Kingdom's top raw powerlifter with a competition total of 1,100 kg, including personal bests of 440 kg squat, 270 kg , and 405 kg in wraps. He holds the British record for log press at 215 kg and has earned bronze medals in events. In addition to his athletic career, Hicks operates as a professional coach and maintains an engineering role in design support.

Early Life and Background

Youth Sports and Initial Interests

Born on November 15, 1985, in , , , Graham Hicks demonstrated an early aptitude for physical activities. As a youngster, he was an enthusiastic sportsman, with football serving as his principal pursuit. This interest dominated his recreational time during adolescence, reflecting a conventional path for many young males in toward team-based athletic endeavors. In his early twenties, Hicks diverged from football, redirecting his energies toward gym-based training that emphasized and strength development, initially aligned with principles. This shift, occurring around 2005–2007, marked the onset of his exposure to heavier resistance exercises, setting the stage for his later specialization in strength disciplines. By age 25, a friend's invitation to experiment with implements catalyzed his formal entry into the sport, beginning with competitions in the under-105 kg category in 2010.

Entry into Strength Sports

Powerlifting Foundations

Graham Hicks entered competitive in 2018 as a means to enhance his static strength, particularly for overhead pressing demands in events. His initial foray focused on deadlift-only competitions under the British Powerlifting Union (BPU), reflecting a targeted approach to building foundational pulling power. On October 13, 2018, at the Andy Bolton Deadlift Challenge in , Hicks competed raw in the deadlift event, achieving a lift of 405 kg to secure first place in a field of elite lifters. Building on this success, Hicks participated in a second deadlift-only event on October 12, 2019, again under BPU auspices, where he lifted 380 kg raw for second place, demonstrating consistency in high-volume pulling under fatigue. His first full powerlifting meet came later that year on November 2, 2019, at Big Dogs 4 in Australia under ProRaw Powerlifting, equipped with wraps. Weighing 162 kg, Hicks totaled 1,100 kg—squat 440 kg, bench press 270 kg, deadlift 390 kg—establishing a British record for the highest total and placing second overall. These performances underscored Hicks' raw potential in lifts, with the 1,100 kg total remaining a benchmark for prowess. His phase, spanning just two years, yielded personal bests that translated directly to gains, including improved lockout strength for events like log press. Despite the brevity, Hicks earned recognition as the 's top by total, prioritizing movement proficiency over prolonged specialization.

Strongman Career

Domestic Competitions and Rise

Hicks began his strongman career in the under-105 kg category, competing in the 2010 North of England's Strongest Man where he placed seventh. In 2011, he dominated the division by winning both England's Strongest Man under-105 kg and under-105 kg, establishing early domestic success through consistent performances in events like log presses and deadlifts. Transitioning to the open weight class in 2012, Hicks debuted at in , , on May 26, finishing fourth out of 19 competitors and earning qualification for the . His progression continued with a fifth-place finish at the 2013 in on August 3, followed by a runner-up position at the 2014 event in on March 15, where he demonstrated superior static strength in overhead lifts. Despite an eighth-place result in 2015, Hicks rebounded to third at the 2017 in on January 28. Hicks achieved second place again at the 2018 Britain's Strongest Man, setting the stage for his breakthrough victory in 2019. On January 19, 2019, at the in , , he won the open title, outperforming competitors including and through dominant performances in pressing events, such as a 200 kg log press. This triumph marked the pinnacle of his domestic rise, solidifying his status as a top strongman after years of podium finishes and highlighting his specialization in overhead strength.

International Performances

Hicks first gained international exposure at the 2012 and 2013 qualifiers, though specific placements were outside the top positions leading to group stages. In 2014, he achieved a third-place finish in WSM Group 5 held in , , on March 29, demonstrating competitive static strength in events like the log press. That year, he also competed at Hungary in on June 21, placing sixth out of 12 athletes. Additionally, Hicks secured third place at the 2014 in , a major event attracting global competitors despite its hosting. In 2015, Hicks participated in WSM Group 2 in , , on April 26, finishing sixth out of six. He returned to international competition in 2017 with appearances in the (SCL), including 11th place at SCL FIBO in , , on April 8; third place at the SCL World Overhead Lift Championships in , , on May 20, where his log press prowess was evident; and fifth at SCL Holland's Next Level in Lichtenvoorde, , on June 17. In 2018, he qualified for WSM Group 3 in , , on May 6, placing fifth out of six. Hicks' strongest international showing at the came in 2020, when he advanced to the finals in , ultimately placing 10th overall after withdrawing from some events due to injury. He also competed at the 2019 SCL Log Lift World Championships, winning the event with a lift of 192.5 kg. In 2021, Hicks entered the inaugural in , on August 28, finishing 11th out of 16. Following a period focused on domestic recovery, he returned internationally in 2023 at WSM Group 3 in , on April 20, securing fifth place out of six. In 2025, Hicks marked a career highlight by winning the SCL Poland event in Gdańsk on August 23, his first international victory in six years and only overall international win across 22 appearances. Later that year, he placed 14th at SCL USA in Sandusky, Ohio, on September 20, and sixth at SCL Dubai in the United Arab Emirates on October 19. These results underscore Hicks' persistence in overhead pressing and deadlifting disciplines, though inconsistent qualifying for WSM finals beyond 2020 reflects challenges against elite global fields.
EventDateLocationPlacement
WSM Group 5March 29, 2014, 3rd/6
Giants Live HungaryJune 21, 2014, 6th/12
WSM Group 2April 26, 2015, 6th/6
SCL FIBOApril 8, 2017, 11th/14
SCL World Overhead Lift ChampionshipsMay 20, 2017, 3rd/12
SCL Holland's Next LevelJune 17, 2017Lichtenvoorde, 5th/14
WSM Group 3May 6, 2018, 5th/6
August 28, 2021Estes Park, 11th/16
WSM Group 3April 20, 2023Myrtle Beach, 5th/6
SCL PolandAugust 23, 2025, 1st/12
SCL USASeptember 20, 2025Sandusky, 14th/14
SCL DubaiOctober 19, 2025, UAE6th/12

Signature Events and Techniques

Hicks is renowned for his exceptional performances in overhead pressing events, particularly the log press, where he set the British record of 220 kg at the 2020 competition. This lift underscored his static strength prowess, enabling him to secure victories in the World Log Lift Championships in both 2014 and 2017. In the 2019 , he completed 8 repetitions with a 150 kg log, a standout effort that contributed to his overall win. His capabilities represent another signature strength, highlighted by a 405 kg official lift at the 2018 BPU Andy Bolton Challenge, alongside training sessions featuring doubles at 450 kg. Hicks employs a conventional stance rooted in his background, prioritizing explosive pulls from the floor to maximize leverage in formats, including elevated and max-effort variations. In log press technique, Hicks focuses on controlled of the implement to the rack position followed by strict pressing, often incorporating paused reps and volume work at submaximal loads to build shoulder stability and drive, as demonstrated in preparatory sessions for events like . This methodical approach, blending precision with adaptation, allows him to handle awkward bar paths effectively, minimizing energy loss during transitions.

Records and Achievements

Personal Bests in Key Lifts

Graham Hicks established his powerlifting personal bests in equipped competition, achieving a British record total of 1,100 kg at Pro Raw Big Dogs 4 in Victoria, Australia, on an unspecified date in 2019, consisting of a 440 kg squat, 270 kg bench press, and 405 kg deadlift (the latter set at the 2018 BPU Andy Bolton Deadlift Challenge). In strongman events, Hicks' overhead pressing strength stands out, with a British record log press of 220 kg set outdoors at the 2020 Europe's Strongest Man. He has also deadlifted 420 kg in standard competition and 499 kg in the Hummer tyre deadlift event. His conventional deadlift personal best reached 470 kg at the 2023 World Deadlift Championships.
Lift TypeWeight (kg)Context/EventYear
Squat (equipped)4402019
(equipped)270 competition2019
(equipped)405BPU Andy Bolton Challenge2018
Total (equipped)1,100Pro Raw Big Dogs 4 (British record)2019
Log Press220 (British record)2020
420 competitionUnspecified
Hummer Tyre 499 eventUnspecified
Conventional 470World Championships2023

Awards and Recognitions

Graham Hicks won the Britain's Strongest Man title in 2019 at the event held in , accumulating 54.5 points to finish ahead of (53 points) and (46.5 points). He previously claimed the under-105 kg category of the same competition in 2011. In deadlifting, Hicks secured the World Deadlift Championships in 2023 at the Utilita Arena in , , defeating competitors including Ivan Makarov with a winning lift of 470 kg. On February 13, 2024, he earned a for the most tower bell deadlifts in one minute, achieving five repetitions with straps in a conventional stance during an appearance on Lo Show Dei Record in , ; this marked the first time the title was awarded. Hicks holds the British log press record of 220 kg, established in 2020 at the Europe's Strongest Man competition. He also won the World Log Lift Championships in both 2014 and 2017. In powerlifting, Hicks set a British record equipped total of 1,100 kg (squat 440 kg, bench 182.5 kg, deadlift 477.5 kg) on November 2, 2019, at the Pro Raw Big Dogs 4 event in Victoria, Australia, where he placed second overall. More recently, Hicks took first place at the SCL Poland strongman contest on August 23, 2025, in , .

Personal Life

Family and Home Life

Graham Hicks resides in , , , where he was born on November 15, 1985. He shares his home with his wife, Kimber-Lee Hicks, a competitive who has achieved notable success, including qualifying for British championships in 2023 and winning a world powerlifting title later that year. The couple married in July 2016 and frequently trains together at a they operate in a converted facility at Hest Bank, near . Hicks is a father of three children, balancing his professional strongman career with family responsibilities, as highlighted in his public posts and interviews describing "dad life" amid training and competitions. His family life emphasizes support for mutual athletic pursuits, with his wife competing in events alongside his endeavors.

Professional Career and Training Philosophy

Hicks has maintained a full-time career as a design support engineer at , where he contributes to the and production of , including the fighter jet program at the Warton site. He entered the role via an around 2005 and remained employed there for nearly 20 years, balancing demanding professional responsibilities with competitive pursuits. By the early , Hicks began transitioning toward strength coaching as a primary focus, offering online programs while drawing on his engineering discipline for structured training methodologies. As a coach, Hicks promotes a training philosophy rooted in and without compromising form, warning against pursuits of immediate personal records that risk or unsustainable gains. He designs programs emphasizing safe technique, consistent advancement, and enjoyment to foster adherence over time, supplemented by nutritional guidance informed by collaborations with specialists. Hicks rejects age-related limitations in strength development, maintaining that peak s remain achievable through disciplined effort—he has publicly stated a belief that his "best days are in front of me" despite entering his late 30s. This mindset aligns with his hybrid background in and , where preparatory elements like brief cardio and mobility work precede high-intensity lifts to optimize recovery and .

Recent Developments

Post-2020 Competitions and Records

In September 2021, Hicks competed at , finishing third overall. On September 2, 2023, he won the World Deadlift Championships in , , by successfully lifting 470 kg (1,036 lb) in the max tire event, outperforming competitors including Rauno Heinla and Ivan Makarov, before attempting but failing a 505 kg (1,113 lb) pull. On February 13, 2024, Hicks set a for the most lifts of a bell on a in one minute, achieving five repetitions while using lifting straps in a conventional stance on the set of Lo Show Dei Record in , , marking the first such verification for this feat. In 2025, Hicks returned to competition by placing first at the (SCL) Poland event on August 23 in , edging out Oskar Ziołkowski in a head-to-head final after strong performances including nine reps in the farmer's walk. He also participated in the SCL USA contest on September 20 in . However, Hicks withdrew from the 2025 due to a bicep injury incurred during a training session. Throughout this period, he demonstrated continued static strength prowess, including a 350 kg (771 lb) for three repetitions in September 2025 and a 100 kg (220 lb) dumbbell press at SCL . No new powerlifting competition totals were recorded post-2020, with his focus shifting primarily to events.

References

  1. https://strongmanarchives.com/viewAthlete.php?id=193
  2. https://giants-live.com/athlete/graham-hicks/
  3. https://www.openpowerlifting.org/u/grahamhicks
  4. https://www.youtube.com/user/TheHixxy1985
  5. https://www.facebook.com/ptcfrankston/posts/graham-hicks-totals-1100kg-at-his-first-ever-full-powerlifting-meet-at-big-dogs-/1187389123397607/
  6. https://www.grahamhicks.co.uk/
  7. https://www.instagram.com/grahamhicksuk/
  8. https://strongmancl.com/graham-hicks-wins-scl-log-lift-world-championships/
  9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJVc0Fer9VE
  10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3Y9C1aNqAg
  11. https://www.liftingbase.com/athlete/graham-hicks/
  12. https://giants-live.com/shows/britains-strongest-man-2019/
  13. https://www.beyond.radio/news/local-sport/morecambe-strongman-becomes-world-deadlift-champion/
  14. https://strongmanarchives.com/contests.php?type=53
  15. https://barbend.com/graham-hicks-guinness-book-of-world-records/
  16. https://www.beyond.radio/news/local-news/interview-morecambe-powerhouse-graham-hicks-aims-to-regain-britains-strongest-man-crown/
  17. https://www.beyond.radio/news/local-sport/video-morecambe-mum-wins-powerlifting-title-to-qualify-for-british-championship/
  18. https://www.beyond.radio/news/local-sport/morecambe-mum-becomes-world-powerlifting-champion/
  19. https://www.instagram.com/p/CRqDBgAMK6U/
  20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj8pa38lKAM
  21. https://www.baesystems.com/en-uk/article/the-strength-behind-typhoon
  22. https://twitter.com/WorldsStrongest/status/1064971648552587264
  23. https://www.facebook.com/strongmanukandworldwide/photos/in-our-first-interview-weve-managed-to-get-a-big-name-graham-hicks-gives-us-a-br/722459147790211/
  24. https://www.grahamhicks.co.uk/copy-of-about
  25. https://barbend.com/hafthor-bjornsson-and-graham-hicks-train-2024-strongest-man-on-earth/
  26. https://www.facebook.com/giantslive/videos/deadlift-monster-wins-championships/977232786876008/
  27. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptMkP9wVnlQ
  28. https://guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/764691-most-lifts-of-a-bell-on-a-tower-of-power-in-one-minute
  29. https://generationiron.com/2025-scl-poland-final-results-standings/
  30. https://www.facebook.com/strongmancl/videos/-graham-hicks-wins-scl-poland-graham-clinched-the-title-in-an-exciting-head-to-h/758572573690936/
  31. https://fitnessvolt.com/graham-hicks-withdraws-2025-britains-strongest-man/
  32. https://www.facebook.com/worldsstrongestfan/posts/graham-hicks350kg771lbs-x3-axle-nice-way-to-finish-off-the-weekuse-wsfan-for-15-/1367092544774980/
  33. https://www.facebook.com/worldsstrongestfan/posts/strongman-champions-league-graham-hicks-with-the-100kg220lbs-dumbbell-in-scl-dub/1386640422820192/
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