James Merry, a 41-year-old engineer at Corby-based industrial door services company Milex Engineering, secured his place on the global stage after winning the England’s Strongest Masters (40+) title last year. Now, he is swapping the factory floor for the international arena to compete against the world's elite strength athletes.
Having only taken up the sport a few years ago by turning his empty garage into a makeshift gym, James has seen a meteoric rise through the strength ranks, previously setting a world record for the deadlift in the Natural Strongman category.
“When I got the email, I couldn't believe it. I'm still shocked that I've been invited to it,”
James told the BBC.
“You don't really think you're worthy enough for something like that.”
To prepare for the brutal physical demands of the world championships, James has adopted a staggering routine, fitting his intense preparations around his full-time job and family life:
Heavyweight Training: He trains for three hours a day, four times a week at Titan's Lair gym in Rushden, lifting Atlas stones weighing up to 200kg (over 31 stone).
Massive Calorie Intake: To fuel his body, James consumes around 6,000 calories a day, relying heavily on carbohydrate-rich bagels with jam and peanut butter.
Hydration: He drinks up to five litres of water every single day.
“Training is going extraordinarily well. It's taken a massive incline from my last competition,”
James added in his interview with the BBC.
“I'm not messing around. I'm going to win.”
James’s dedication has not only impressed the strongman community but also serves as a massive inspiration to his family.
His 17-year-old daughter, Lily, shared with the broadcaster that his passion inspires her every day, while his wife, Natalie, added:
"We are all incredibly proud of James for everything he has achieved so far with his strongman. To be able to represent England at Worlds in America is another goal he has smashed, and we couldn't be any prouder of him!"
Will you be cheering James on this November?
