A Kilwinning gym owner has been crowned Scotland’s Strongest Man just two years after deciding to get in shape for his birthday.
Andrew Black stunned a field of experienced muscle men to win the prestigious title in Dumfries.
The 31-year-old’s surprise success came after he transformed almost his entire 32-stone frame into muscle by devoting his life to the gym and healthy eating.
Andy said: “I only joined the gym just to lose a bit of weight before my 30th birthday.
“ I was eating a lot of rubbish and not looking after myself.
“I can’t believe that just two years later I’m sitting here as Scotland’s strongest man.
“Doing something like this never crossed my mind before.
“But ever since I took part in my first event 18 months ago, which I ended up winning, things have just kicked on.”
Andy won all but one of his events in the behind-closed-doors competition.
He deadlifted 310kg for nine reps, carried two 135kg canisters for 75 metres in the Farmer’s Walk event, and lifted a 150kg Atlas stone nine times to clinch victory.
Andrew, who has now qualified for Britain’s Strongest Man, explained: “It was a bit of strange event because it was behind closed doors and a couple of the big names were missing like the Stoltman brothers.
“But I was still up against guys far more experienced than me, including boys who have finished second and third in previous years.”
Andrew’s love affair with fitness saw him and like-minded pals set up the West Coast Strength and Conditioning gym in Longford Avenue.
And he admits the encouragement of his training partners there has played a major part in his success.
He said: “Everyone has spurred me on from day one. They spotted my strength and pushed me all the way.”
