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Luke Stoltman
Luke Stoltman
Luke Stoltman
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Luke Bernard Stoltman (born 22 November 1984) is a Scottish strongman. He is a two times winner of the Europe's Strongest Man competition in 2021 and 2024, and an entrant to the World's Strongest Man competition, having reached the finals six times with a best placing of seventh place.[2] He has also won the Britain's Strongest Man competition in 2025, and Scotland's Strongest Man competition five times at the national circuit.

Key Information

Renowned for his static shoulder strength, Luke held the British log lift record at 221 kg (487 lb) from 2020 to 2025.[3] Along with his younger brother, Tom Stoltman, the two are widely regarded as the strongest brothers in history and are the only ones to both qualify for the World's Strongest Man finals; a feat they have managed six times.[4]

Early life

[edit]

Born in Invergordon, Ross and Cromarty, Luke was the first of five children for parents Ben and Sheila.[5] Luke attended Newmore Primary School and Invergordon Academy and was an avid footballer in his early years before moving his focus to weight training by the age of 15 inspired by a family photo of his grandfather, a Polish war refugee, carrying a log the same size as his body.[6] Luke left school aged 16 and followed his father's footsteps into the oil industry training as a dimensional surveyor before taking his first offshore based job aged 18.[7] Throughout his early twenties, Luke's training consisted of predominantly bodybuilder type programs, influenced by the likes of Jay Cutler and Ronnie Coleman; although he was often limited by the gym equipment available on the oil rigs he worked on.[8]

Career

[edit]

Luke later became more interested in the strength aspect of his training, entering, and winning his first contest, a local deadlift competition in 2011 aged 27. This led to him participating in the 'Highlands Strongest Man' in 2012, held in a gym car park in Inverness, where he again placed first.[7]

A relative late comer to the sport, Luke's impressive feats at the local competitions convinced him to pursue strongman training seriously, albeit alongside his '9-5 job' working on oil rigs. In 2013 Luke competed in his first UK's Strongest Man, where he placed 7th.[9] He then went on to secure 5 consecutive Scotland's Strongest Man titles from 2013 – 2017, and consistently improved his Britain's Strongest Man (BSM) placing each year, reaching 4th by 2017.[7]

A debut at World's Strongest Man came in 2016, after a solid performance at Europe's Strongest Man the previous year. Although Luke failed to reach the final, after a 3rd place finish in his heat,[10] he gained invaluable experience and was starting to get noticed on the international stage. The following year (2017) he again improved on his BSM placing (4th)[11] and at WSM he narrowly missed a place in the final, finishing 3rd in his heat behind future WSM champions Hafthor Bjornsson and Martins Licis.[12]

At this stage in Luke's career, although he was steadily improving his strength, it was not reflected in his contest results. In 2018, he again missed out on a World's Strongest Man Final qualification, losing out to four time WSM winner Zydrunas Savickas and Robert Oberst in the heats,[13] and placing a disappointing 6th at BSM.[14] Luke's job, where he would work offshore for two to three weeks at a time on oil rigs without access to the suitable strongman training equipment, was seen to be hampering his preparation for competition.[8]

In 2019 Luke took the leap into full-time training, leaving his job in the oil and gas industry to focus solely on fulfilling his potential as a world level strongman competitor. This decision was helped by placing second the 2019 World's Ultimate Strongman International. This led to a significant breakthrough as he successfully qualified for the WSM final in his first year as a professional, finishing 7th overall alongside younger brother Tom, who placed 5th.[7] The pair were the first brothers to ever reach the final at WSM, and an achievement that gained them the moniker 'The World's Strongest Brothers'.[4]

2020 brought Luke's first podium finish at BSM.[15] However with training and competition hampered by the COVID-19 outbreak, Luke was unable to enter Europe's Strongest Man, and failed to qualify from his heat at the WSM finals.[16] That same year however, Luke established a British record in the log press, successfully completing a 221 kg (487 lb) lift at World Ultimate Strongman's "Feats of Strength" showcase.[3] Disappointment at World's was short-lived, as 2021 proved to be Luke's best year to date. At the age of 36, Luke took the title of Europe's Strongest Man[2] and followed this amazing feat up by taking first place at the Giants Live World Tour Finals.[17] In WSM he was close to a podium position, however the extreme heat and the wrong tacky selection in the final event led to him slipping from 3rd to 7th, repeating his 2019 result, whilst brother Tom lifted the winner's trophy.[18]

In 2022 Luke gained a podium finish at the Arnold Classic in Ohio in March, taking 3rd place behind Martin Licis and Oleksii Novikov.[19] Luke narrowly missed out on retaining his Europe's Strongest Man crown, finishing a credible second to Ukrainian WSM 2020 winner, Oleksii Novikov.[20]  At Worlds Strongest Man 2022, held in Sacramento, California, Luke won his heat by a considerable margin allowing him to qualify for the final with an event to spare. In the final itself, Luke repeated his Finals success of the previous two appearances, finishing 7th in a line up that contained four previous winners. The competition was won by Tom for the second year in a row.[21][22]

After some time away from competing in the later half of 2023, Stoltman returned to compete at the 2023 Arnold Strongman Classic, where he placed 9th. This was followed by an 8th place finish at WSM and the Rogue Invitational. Luke started working with a new coach late 2023, which saw an early improvement with a 3rd place finish at the 2024 Britain's Strongest Man final, followed by winning Europe's Strongest Man for the second time. [23] Stoltman qualified again for the World's Strongest Man Final in May 2024, where ultimately he placed 9th, the competition was won by his younger brother Tom Stoltman for a third time.[24]

A bicep injury sustained at the WSM final kept Luke out of competition for several months, returning strongly with a 5th place position at the US Strongman Championship, 4th place at World Tour Finals, and notably a 5th place finish at the Rogue Invitational, where he was only beaten by the podium finishers of the 2024 WSM final plus 2018 WSM winner, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson. [25]

Luke started the 2025 strongman season with a win at what was his twelfth year entering Britain's Strongest Man. [26]

Family and personal life

[edit]

Luke is the eldest of five siblings, all of which live in and around their hometown of Invergordon close to their father, Ben. Luke's youngest brother Harry works for the Stoltman Brothers business and is currently training to compete in strongman competition.[27]

Luke married wife Kushi Stoltman in 2016 at a ceremony in Kincraig Castle Hotel, near Invergordon.[28] The 8-year marriage came to an end in 2024 when Kushi publicly accused Luke of infidelity with strongwoman Melissa Peacock.[29][30]

Luke's mother Shiela died aged 56 in 2016. Both Luke and Tom regularly cite their mother's influence as key to inspiring them to succeed in their careers.[31]

In 2021 a permanent tribute to Luke and brother Tom was installed by Invergordon Community Council in their hometown, where the signs at the entrances to Invergordon were updated to include their names and achievements.  The sign reads 'Welcome to Invergordon Hometown of the Stoltman Brothers World, European and UK Strongest Men'.[32]

Luke is a strong advocate for mental health and regularly speaks out on the topic and about how he benefited from speaking to a therapist after the death of his mother. Luke has worked as an ambassador for mental health charity Mikeysline.[33]

Other ventures

[edit]

Gym

[edit]

In 2018, Luke and Tom opened a commercial gym, The Stoltman Strength Centre, in Invergordon. This was originally a joint venture with another party though is now fully owned by the Stoltman Brothers Ltd. Luke was quoted as saying he had always wanted to open his own gym to inspire others. The brothers use the facility for the majority of their training, having originally trained in Luke's home gym in his garage.[34] In 2023 the brothers announced a partnership with Glasgow based commercial strength equipment brand Primal. As part of the deal, the Stoltman Strength Centre received a significant upgrade and redesign to become a state of the art facility.[35]

Health and fitness brand

[edit]

As the popularity of the brothers has risen through their achievements and media presence, they began to sell Stoltman Brothers branded merchandise via an online shop www.stoltmanbrothers.com.[36] Original offerings were primarily focused around images of the brothers; however this has now been built up to include more everyday 'lifestyle' clothing with Stoltman branding, 'motivational' apparel featuring some of the company/brothers' values and quotes, and a collaboration with other strongmen where t-shirts with the athletes images are produced.[37] All clothing is sold via the Stoltman brothers website and via their shop which they opened in Invergordon in 2022.[38]

Stoltman Strength Academy

[edit]

The Stoltman brothers in 2022 set up their own strength training academy.[39]

Media

[edit]

Together with brother Tom, Luke has a YouTube channel, Stoltman Brothers, through which they show training and competition footage, partake in various challenges, and provide an insight to everyday life for professional strongmen athletes.[40] The brothers regularly collaborate on the channel with other well known health and fitness personalities and YouTubers, with Eddie Hall, Matt Does Fitness, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson and Larry Wheels all having featured.

The brothers are also the subject of a documentary which is currently in production. Footage for which has been shot by Mulligan Brothers Studio and documents the brothers rise to prominence as elite level strongmen athletes and inspirational figures.[41]

Publications

[edit]

In 2023 Luke and Tom released their own autobiography 'Lifting: Becoming the World's Strongest Brothers' which details their story from childhood through to present day, the hardback version of the book was published by Penguin Random House.[42][43]

Luke and Tom both feature and narrate in Coach Mike Chadwick's The Red On Revolution book,[44] published in 2022.

Personal records

[edit]

In competition:

  • Deadlift (with suit and straps) – 400 kg (882 lb) (2023 and 2025 World Deadlift Championships)
  • Elephant bar Deadlift (Raw with straps) – 383.5 kg (845 lb) (2021 Rogue Invitational)
  • Hummer Tire Deadlift (15 inches from the floor) – 422 kg (930 lb) (2020 Shaw Classic)[45]
  • Double T Squat (with suit) – 370 kg (816 lb) (2022 Arnold Strongman Classic)
  • Giant Barbell Squat (for reps) – 340 kg (750 lb) × 5 reps (single-ply suit w/ wraps) (2019 World's Strongest Man)
  • Log press – 221 kg (487 lb) (2020 World's Ultimate Strongman, Feats of Strength series) (former national record)[3][46]
  • Axle press – 190 kg (419 lb) (2024 World's Strongest Man)
  • Flintstone barbell push press (behind the neck) – 212 kg (467 lb) (2022 World's Strongest Man)
  • Arm over arm vertical lift (flag hoist) – 100 kg (220 lb) 6m height x 4 times in 41.28 seconds (2021 World's Ultimate Strongman Strength Island) (World Record)[47]

During training:

  • Squat – 380 kg (838 lb)
  • Bench press – 240 kg (529 lb)
  • Log press – 228.5 kg (504 lb)

Competitive record

[edit]

Winning percentage: 7.14%
Podium percentage: 16.67%

1st 2nd 3rd Podium 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 17th Total
International competitions 3 2 2 7 2 4 4 7 4 5 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 42

Filmography

[edit]

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2016–2025 World's Strongest Man Himself – Competitor
2025 The Traitors Masked Bodyguard Series 3, Episode 6
2025 Blue Peter Guest
2026 Battle of the Beasts Himself – Competitor

References

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

Luke Stoltman

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Luke Stoltman (born 22 November 1984) is a Scottish competitor from in the Highlands, best known by his nickname "The Highland Oak" and as the eldest of the renowned Stoltman brothers. He has achieved significant success in the sport, including two victories at in 2021 and 2024, a win at in 2025, and six final appearances at (2019 and 2021–2025), with his best finishes being seventh place in 2019, 2021, and 2022. Stoltman began his athletic journey inspired by a photograph of his grandfather carrying logs, starting weight training at age 15 and initially competing as a bodybuilder before transitioning to strongman in 2011 with his first deadlift victory. He dominated domestically by winning Scotland's Strongest Man five consecutive times from 2013 to 2017 and holds the British log press record of 221 kg (487 lb), set in 2021. Alongside his younger brother Tom, a three-time World's Strongest Man champion, Stoltman made history as the first brother duo to reach the finals of the latter event in 2019; he transitioned to full-time competition in 2019 after working as an oil rig surveyor. Beyond competitions, Stoltman has set Guinness World Records, including feats in deadlifting, and co-manages the Stoltman Brothers brand, which includes training academies, apparel, and motivational content shared via their YouTube channel with over 260,000 subscribers. His career highlights also include a win at the Giants Live World Tour Finals in 2021 and a third-place finish at the Arnold Classic in 2022, solidifying his status as one of Scotland's premier strength athletes.

Early life

Upbringing in the

Luke Stoltman was born on November 22, 1984, in , a coastal town in the ' region. As the eldest of five siblings—including sisters Jodie and Nikki, and brothers Tom and the younger Harry—he grew up in a tight-knit family headed by parents Ben, a surveyor, and , who provided unwavering support amid the challenges of small-town life. The family's heritage included Polish roots through their paternal grandfather, Dominik "Opa" Stoltman, a refugee and resistance fighter who escaped execution, endured forced labor, and resettled in as a peat cutter; a cherished family photograph depicts Opa hoisting a massive log comparable to his body size, symbolizing the generational emphasis on endurance and physical prowess. Stoltman's early years unfolded in Invergordon's modest, community-oriented setting, where the population hovered around 3,500 and daily life was intertwined with the rugged Highland terrain that demanded physical toughness for tasks like farming and manual labor. This environment naturally exposed him to the region's longstanding strength traditions, including the —iconic events featuring feats such as caber tossing and hammer throwing that celebrate athletic power and have been held annually across the Highlands since the , fostering a cultural appreciation for bodily strength from childhood. The brothers' upbringing instilled values of hard work and resilience, influenced by Opa's post-war motto of "working harder to increase your luck," which echoed through family stories and shaped their worldview. In his late teens, around age 18, Stoltman entered the workforce on rigs, enduring grueling two- to three-week offshore rotations that tested his physical limits through heavy manual tasks and isolation, ultimately honing the resilience that defined his character over 17 years in the industry. The family also navigated personal hardships, including younger brother Tom's childhood diagnosis with autism, which brought and emotional struggles but reinforced sibling bonds and collective determination through parental guidance and mutual support.

Introduction to weight training

Luke Stoltman began his weight training journey at the age of 15 in 1999, inspired by a family photograph of his grandfather, a Polish war refugee, effortlessly carrying a massive log comparable in size to his own body. This image of raw strength and resilience ignited a passion for fitness in the young Scot from , leading him to initially pursue routines as a means to build his physique and emulate that familial legacy. Self-taught through , Stoltman developed his early training regimens using a modest home garage setup, where limited resources encouraged creative adaptations to simulate heavy lifting demands. His brother Tom occasionally joined these sessions, providing mutual encouragement as they pushed each other in the makeshift environment. This approach laid the foundation for Stoltman's shift toward strength-focused training, honing discipline amid the constraints of rural Highland life. At age 27, Stoltman entered his first organized strength event in , a local competition, which he won and marking his debut in competitive lifting. The victory served as a pivotal motivator, validating years of solitary effort and sparking interest in broader pursuits. Around 2012-2013, following his initial success, Stoltman began dedicating more structured time to training while balancing demanding shifts as a surveyor on rigs, where two-to-three-week offshore rotations restricted access to specialized equipment. This period represented a key transition, as he intensified his regimen during onshore breaks to prepare for upcoming events like the 2012 Highlands Strongest Man, all without abandoning his primary employment.

Strongman career

Early competitions and domestic titles

Luke Stoltman made his debut in professional strongman competition at the 2013 event in , , where he finished ninth out of 12 competitors. This initial appearance marked his entry into national-level events, building on his physical conditioning from years working as a dimensional surveyor on rigs, which demanded high levels of endurance and manual labor. That same year, Stoltman achieved a breakthrough by winning his first Scotland's Strongest Man title, a that established him as a in Scottish . He defended the crown successfully for four more years, securing five consecutive Scotland's Strongest Man titles from 2013 to 2017 and solidifying his dominance in his home country. These consistent wins not only boosted his confidence but also served as key qualifiers, enabling him to compete in progressively higher-tier British events and gain recognition from organizers. Around 2013, Stoltman began a pivotal training partnership with his younger brother Tom, who had been inspired by Luke's early successes to start weight training at age 16. Luke mentored Tom, incorporating shared routines focused on strongman-specific lifts and conditioning in their hometown of , which provided mutual motivation and helped refine their techniques for domestic competitions. This collaboration proved instrumental in Luke's sustained performance, as evidenced by his improving placements in , rising from ninth in 2013 to fourth by 2017.

International breakthroughs and major wins

Luke Stoltman's international breakthrough came in 2019 when he qualified for the finals of the (WSM) competition for the first time, finishing in seventh place alongside his brother Tom, marking the first instance of siblings reaching the WSM final together. This achievement followed strong domestic performances that served as qualifiers, propelling him onto the global stage. He went on to become a six-time WSM finalist from 2019 to 2025 (excluding 2020), with placements of seventh in 2019, 2021, and 2022; eighth in 2023; and ninth in 2024 and 2025, demonstrating consistent elite-level performance in the sport's premier event. A pinnacle of his career arrived in 2021 at (ESM) in , where Stoltman secured his first major international title by defeating a field including in a dramatic final Atlas Stones event. During the competition, he tied for the highest log press lift at 195 kg alongside , showcasing his renowned overhead strength that has defined his style. In 2020, he established a British log press record of 221 kg at the World Ultimate Strongman Feats of Strength showcase, a mark he held until October 2025; this further solidified his reputation for exceptional static shoulder power. Stoltman also claimed victory at the World Tour Finals in , rounding out a breakthrough season with multiple high-profile wins. Stoltman continued his international success with a second ESM title in 2024, edging out Aivars Šmaukstelis by a single point in a closely contested event despite injuries to several competitors, including Novikov who finished third. His global presence extended to the series, where he has been a regular participant since 2019, achieving a fourth-place finish that year and maintaining strong showings in subsequent tours. Earlier, in 2019, he earned a podium finish with second place at the event in , behind and ahead of his brother Tom in third, highlighting the Stoltman brothers' rising dominance on the international circuit.

Recent achievements and 2025 season

In 2025, Luke Stoltman reclaimed national supremacy by winning , held on February 1 in , , where he amassed 52 points across five events to secure gold ahead of Shane Flowers (46.5 points) and Andrew Flynn (42.5 points). This victory marked a strategic return to domestic competition after years of prioritizing international pursuits, including multiple titles, and reaffirmed his status as an elite competitor following previous finalist appearances. Stoltman's performance highlighted his versatility, with standout results in the log lift (five reps for first place) and the duck and farmer's medley (second place in 24.38 seconds), demonstrating sustained power at age 40. In May 2025, Stoltman placed ninth at the finals in . Later in the year, Stoltman competed in The Strongman Open 2025, part of the series on September 6 in Birmingham, , finishing sixth overall with 46.5 points among top global athletes. The event served as a key qualifier for major tours, where he excelled in dynamic challenges like the farmer's walk (second place in 14.04 seconds) and sandbag steeplechase (third in 44.32 seconds), though static holds proved more challenging. His participation underscored an ongoing trajectory toward contending in high-stakes international fields, building on his prior elite-level experience. Training updates throughout 2025 emphasized Stoltman's focus on deadlift progression, culminating in a 400 kg (882 lb) lift with straps during the Mutant World Deadlift Championships integrated into The Strongman Open. This effort, part of a broader redemption arc in his pulling strength, was captured in event footage and reflected intensive preparation sessions shared via his training content, including heavy dumbbell pressing alongside brother Tom in March. Such attempts highlighted his commitment to pushing personal limits in static events amid a demanding schedule.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Luke Stoltman was married to Kushi Stoltman from 2016 until their separation in late 2024. The couple wed at Kincraig Castle Hotel near in the , where they had built their life together. Their relationship, which began prior to 2016, faced public scrutiny in November 2024 when Kushi accused Luke of with a female powerlifter and others, leading to their split amid ongoing co-parenting arrangements. In September 2025, Stoltman went public with a new relationship with powerlifter Melissa Peacock. The couple welcomed their first child, a named Koa Devaki Stoltman, on February 1, 2024, following years of treatments. Koa's birth marked a significant for the , with Luke publicly expressing to NHS Highland's services for their support during this period. Stoltman maintains a close bond with his brothers, particularly Tom Stoltman, a three-time winner, and younger brother Harry, forming the core of the "Stoltman Brothers" identity that emphasizes family unity in their strongman pursuits. This sibling dynamic has been a key pillar of mutual support, with the brothers often training together at their facilities in , their longstanding family base in the . The family's shared experiences, including Tom's autism diagnosis, have strengthened their resilience and collaborative spirit.

Health and personal challenges

Luke Stoltman has faced significant physical strains throughout his career, primarily due to the extreme demands of the sport, which involve lifting weights exceeding 300 kilograms in events like log presses and atlas stones. In May 2024, he suffered a torn during , which sidelined him from competitions for approximately 12 weeks and forced his withdrawal from the event later that year to prioritize full recovery. While a in 2020 required careful rehabilitation to maintain his regimen. These injuries highlight the toll of professional on the body, with Stoltman emphasizing the need for longevity in the sport through proactive management. To address these physical challenges, Stoltman has adopted a structured recovery routine that integrates multiple tailored to athletes. He undergoes regular physiotherapy sessions, typically minutes to an hour twice weekly, focusing on hands-on muscle to alleviate strain and reset the body. Contrast , alternating between saunas at over 100°C for 8-10 minutes and ice-cold tubs at 0°C for 3 minutes in 2-3 cycles post-training, aids in reducing and improving quality. Additionally, he incorporates hyperbaric five days a week, which pumps pure oxygen at 1.5 times to accelerate healing—potentially up to 34 times faster according to some claims—and optimized protocols, such as using an blanket and a temperature-controlled to achieve 7-8 hours nightly. These methods have enabled him to return stronger, as seen in his sixth-place finish at the 2024 USA Championships following his biceps recovery. Stoltman's mental health journey has been profoundly shaped by personal bereavement, particularly the loss of his mother to cancer in 2016, which he details in the autobiography Lifting: Becoming the World's Strongest Brothers as a devastating event that tested his emotional resilience. This experience, coupled with the pressures of his career, has led him to prioritize mental fitness equally with physical training, viewing as a strength rather than a weakness. He has openly discussed battling "inner demons," including intensified struggles in late following his , and credits early sessions—despite initial terror—for providing tools to process and stress. To build emotional resilience, Stoltman maintains daily practices like sunrise sea swims for mental clarity and draws motivation from strongman training itself, which he describes as a therapeutic outlet for channeling adversity into achievement. support, including from his brother Tom, has played a key role in his coping, reinforcing a shared commitment to overcoming obstacles.

Business and media ventures

Fitness businesses and gym

Luke Stoltman co-founded the Stoltman Strength Centre with his brother Tom in , , in 2018, establishing it as a dedicated fitness facility in their hometown. The gym serves as a hub for , offering 24/7 access, a wide range of weights and machines, and flexible membership options including individual, family, and day passes. Equipped with state-of-the-art apparatus through a with Primal Strength, the centre features specialized tools for heavy lifting and athlete development, positioning it as a unique world-class facility in the . It fosters a supportive community atmosphere with group classes starting at £5 per session and free introductory trials, encouraging local participation in strength sports. In 2023, the brothers secured a £100,000 investment to upgrade the venue, enhancing its role as a premier training base. In late October 2025, the Stoltman Strength Centre announced its relocation to a larger site at 16 Industrial Park in , with the last day at the original premises on November 2, 2025, and a target opening date of November 22, 2025. Described as a state-of-the-art strongman training centre, the expansion includes themed elements inspired by the brothers' interests and aims to solidify its status as one of the world's premier strength gyms. Alongside the gym, the Stoltman brothers launched the Stoltman Brothers health and fitness brand, offering a clothing line with hoodies, t-shirts, jackets, and accessories, as well as general merchandise available exclusively through stoltmanbrothers.com. The brand's growth accelerated following Tom's consecutive victories in 2021 and 2022, attracting sponsorships such as the ongoing collaboration with Primal Strength for equipment and endorsements.

Publications and online academy

Luke Stoltman co-authored the autobiography Lifting: Becoming the World's Strongest Brothers with his brother Tom, published in 2023 by Ebury Press. The book chronicles their shared journey from childhood in the to achieving global success, emphasizing themes of resilience, family bonds, and overcoming personal challenges such as Tom's autism diagnosis and the loss of their mother in 2016. It highlights their training philosophies and mental fortitude, serving as an inspirational narrative for readers interested in strength sports and personal growth. In 2023, the Stoltman brothers launched the Stoltman Strength Academy, an online coaching platform designed to provide accessible guidance worldwide. The academy offers subscription-based programs starting at £35 per week, including personalized workout plans, advice, and video tutorials delivered via a . Tailored for athletes from beginners to professionals, it incorporates the brothers' expertise in competition preparation, plateau-breaking techniques, and mindset development, with options for direct monthly video calls and messaging support. The academy's content extends the themes from their autobiography, focusing on holistic strength building that addresses physical training alongside mental resilience and stories of overcoming autism-related obstacles. By making professional-level coaching available remotely, it aims to foster a supportive for fitness enthusiasts seeking sustainable progress.

Media appearances and documentaries

Luke Stoltman has made regular appearances broadcasts of the competition since his debut in 2016, featuring prominently in events from 2019 onward as a consistent qualifier and finalist. These appearances showcase his performances in events like the and stone loading, highlighting his role in elevating Scottish representation on the global stage. Additionally, Stoltman has been featured in coverage of , where he secured victory in 2025, with broadcasts emphasizing his rivalry with top competitors and his Highland training regimen. In documentaries, Stoltman co-stars in the 2020 short film "The World's Strongest Brothers," directed by , which explores the personal and professional journey of him and his brother Tom, including their family background and rise in . A Hollywood feature film adaptation of their story was announced in 2022, focusing on their triumphs and challenges, though production details remain pending as of 2025. More recently, the 2025 documentary "The Stoltman Brothers | The Cold is My Teacher" delves into their use of cold for and recovery, produced in collaboration with wellness advocates. Stoltman's social media presence amplifies his media footprint, with his Instagram account (@luke.stoltman) boasting over 337,000 followers as of late 2025, where he shares training insights and competition highlights. The Stoltman Brothers YouTube channel, which he co-manages, has more than 270,000 subscribers and features videos of deadlift world record attempts, gym construction progress, and daily routines, garnering millions of views collectively. Beyond visual media, Stoltman has appeared as a guest on podcasts such as "The Good, The Bad & The Beast" hosted by Eddie Hall, where he discussed his 2025 record-breaking efforts and career transitions in a September 2025 episode. He also featured on "Things People Do" with Joe Marler in 2024, sharing stories of brotherly rivalry and mental resilience in strongman. These audio appearances often tie into his broader media strategy, subtly promoting his fitness ventures through discussions of training philosophies.

Philanthropy

Charitable events and causes

Luke Stoltman has actively supported , a cancer support charity, through promotional efforts for fundraising events. In 2022, he and his brother Tom endorsed the Highlands Run the Runway event at , urging participants to join the 5km run along the runway to raise funds and awareness for cancer patients and their families. In December 2023, Stoltman participated in the Dip alongside colleagues from , immersing in the cold waters to support charities. The event highlighted cold water therapy's benefits for , with participants raising funds through sponsorships while promoting resilience and community support. Stoltman's family has contributed to Ukraine aid efforts, with his father, Ben Stoltman, joining the Jeeps for Peace initiative in September 2024. Ben drove a donated vehicle across to deliver essential supplies to Ukrainian forces and civilians affected by the conflict, inspired by the charity's mission to provide 4x4 vehicles for humanitarian transport. In August 2025, Stoltman teamed up with his brother Tom for the charity tractor push at the Show, competing in a tug-of-war style event against teams including the . Their participation helped raise funds for the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Raigmore Hospital, selected by event organizer Neil 'Basher' Brown in honor of his daughter's neonatal care.

Advocacy and community involvement

Luke Stoltman has been a prominent for autism awareness, drawing directly from his brother experiences living with autism, as shared in their co-authored 2023 Lifting: Becoming the World's Strongest Brothers. The chronicles Tom's childhood struggles and how became a transformative tool for overcoming challenges associated with autism, positioning it as a "superpower" that fueled his success as a top competitor. Stoltman uses this narrative to inspire others, encouraging autistic individuals and their families to embrace resilience and as pathways to achievement. This advocacy extends to community engagement in the , where Stoltman and his brother have conducted school visits to motivate young people with additional support needs. In August 2023, they toured Cantraybridge School near , a specialist center for young adults with learning disabilities including autism, interacting with students during a facility visit that included vocational departments and a student-run café. The brothers praised the school's role in empowering participants, highlighting how such programs mirror the supportive environments that aided their own development and reinforcing Stoltman's commitment to local educational outreach. Through the Stoltman Strength Centre in , Stoltman fosters community programs centered on to build physical confidence among local youth and residents. The gym serves as a hub for , emphasizing community support as essential to personal growth, with Stoltman crediting it for nurturing talent in their hometown. He has participated in youth-oriented events, such as the 2022 Summer Kids Club in , where the brothers engaged with children to promote active lifestyles and inspiration from sports. Stoltman promotes mental health awareness within the strongman community by openly sharing his recovery stories, stressing that vulnerability strengthens rather than diminishes athletic prowess. He has described mental health challenges as part of his journey, stating in 2021 that "my mental health doesn't make me weak—I'm one of the strongest men in the world," and continues to advocate for therapy and cold water therapy as tools for emotional recovery alongside physical training. Following personal hardships, including a 2024 divorce, Stoltman detailed his battles with "inner demons" in early 2025, underscoring the need for holistic recovery to sustain high-level performance in strongman. Stoltman contributes to the preservation of , a cornerstone of Scottish , by actively participating in traditional events that tie into his roots in the Highlands. As "The Highland Oak," he competes in stone-lifting challenges at the , such as the 114kg Stonemasons Stone in 2025, helping to sustain these historic competitions that test strength in culturally significant ways. He views the games as "etched in history in ," using his involvement to honor and promote the traditions that shaped his identity.

Records and achievements

Personal records

Luke Stoltman is renowned for his exceptional overhead pressing strength, particularly in the log press event, where he has pushed the boundaries of both official and unofficial records. In May 2020, he achieved an unofficial personal best of 228.5 kg (503.8 lb) in the log press during a training session, surpassing the then-standing world record held by Zydrunas Savickas. Later that year, in October 2020, Stoltman attempted the official world record of 230 kg (507 lb) at the World Ultimate Strongman Feats of Strength event but narrowly missed the lift after successfully pressing 221 kg to set a new British record. This 221 kg mark remained his official British log press record until October 2025, when it was surpassed by Jack Osborn's 222 kg lift. In ing, Stoltman's personal best stands at 400 kg (882 lb), achieved using a deadlift suit and straps at the 2023 and 2025 World Deadlift Championships. Stoltman holds the World Record for the farthest distance carrying the Nicol Stones (male), initially set at 19.3 m (63 ft 3 in) on September 8, 2019, at the Blairgowrie & Rattray in , and updated to 20 m (65.6 ft) on , 2025, at the Donald Dinnie Day event in Potarch, . In other key events, Stoltman has demonstrated strong performances, including a max axle press of 190 kg (419 lb) at the 2024 finals and fast yoke walk times in competitions, such as completing a kg yoke over 20 m in under 30 seconds in various tour events.

Competitive record

Luke Stoltman debuted in professional in and has since competed in numerous national and international events, achieving multiple titles and consistent top placements in major competitions. He secured five consecutive wins in Scotland's Strongest Man from to 2017. The following table summarizes his major competition results chronologically, focusing on key national, international, and qualifying events up to 2025.
YearEventPlacement
2013Scotland's Strongest Man1st
2013Britain's Strongest Man9th of 12
2014Scotland's Strongest Man1st
2014Britain's Strongest Man7th of 13
2014Giants Live Poland9th of 12
2015Scotland's Strongest Man1st
2015Britain's Strongest Man6th of 11
2015SCL FIBO7th of 14
2015SCL Holland8th of 14
2015Europe's Strongest Man7th of 10
2016Scotland's Strongest Man1st
2016Britain's Strongest Man7th of 11
2016WSM Group 14th of 6
2017Scotland's Strongest Man1st
2017Britain's Strongest Man4th of 12
2017Europe's Strongest Man7th of 11
2017WSM Group 23rd of 6
2018Britain's Strongest Man6th of 13
2018WSM Group 33rd of 6
2018WUS Dubai11th of 12
2019Britain's Strongest Man4th of 13
2019Europe's Strongest Man6th of 9
2019Iceland's Strongest Man3rd of 5
2019Giants Live Wembley4th of 10
2019Giants Live World Tour Finals10th of 13
2019WUS Dubai2nd of 14
2019WSM Final7th of 10
2020Britain's Strongest Man3rd of 13
2020WSM Group 54th of 5
2020Shaw Classic7th of 10
2021WUS Strength Island4th of 15
2021Giants Live Strongman Classic6th of 11
2021Europe's Strongest Man1st of 10
2021Giants Live World Tour Finals1st of 10
2021Arnold UK9th of 10
2021Britain's Strongest Man4th of 10
2021Rogue Invitational8th of 10
2021WSM Final7th of 10
2022Britain's Strongest Man10th of 11
2022Arnold Strongman Classic3rd of 10
2022Europe's Strongest Man2nd of 12
2022Shaw Classic15th of 15
2022WSM Final7th of 10
2023Arnold Strongman Classic9th of 10
2023Giants Live Strongman Classic6th of 11
2023Giants Live World Open5th of 11
2023Strongest Man on Earth13th of 14
2023Giants Live World Tour Finals5th of 12
2023Rogue Invitational8th of 10
2023WSM Final8th of 10
2024Britain's Strongest Man3rd of 12
2024Europe's Strongest Man1st of 12
2024Giants Live USA Strongman Championships5th of 10
2024Giants Live World Tour Finals4th of 12
2024Rogue Invitational5th of 10
2024WSM Final9th of 10
2025Britain's Strongest Man1st of 12
2025Europe's Strongest Man10th of 12
2025WSM Final9th of 10
2025Giants Live World Open6th of 11
Stoltman has qualified for the finals annually from 2019 to 2025, with notable top-10 finishes throughout. His performances in series events frequently placed him in the top 5 or 6, contributing to his international profile.

References

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