ILMINSTER’S international strongman has been invited to the world championships after a strong showing in the recent British and American championships.

Gary Clarke, who was the UK’s first disabled strongman, competed in America’s Strongest Adaptive Athlete in April, and took part in Britain’s Disabled Strongman competition last month, which he founded.

Mr Clarke, who lives in Ilminster and has cerebral palsy, was invited to the USA because of his influential role in building the British disabled strongman scene.

Now, he has been rewarded with a wildcard place at the 2016 World’s Strongest Disabled Man competition later this summer.

Speaking after his performance in America, Mr Clarke said: “The contest went very well. I got a personal best in the log lift and the loading event, so I was very pleased with that.

“In the other events, I pulled a fire truck, flipped a tyre and held a weight out at arms length in a crucifix position and did very well in each of those events too so all in all it was a good competition for me.”

This year, he has also set a personal best on the giant atlas stones and competed for the first time in the seated deadlift event.

“I would like to thank Toby and Joanna George for their support in the lead up to this contest, Therasa Garree, my sponsors Druce’s Barber of Chard and Dan’s Windows of Ilminster, and of course my family for their ongoing support,” Mr Clarke added.

The World championships will for the first time be held outside of Iceland, as it travels to Manchester.

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

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