Tough guy Gary in Iceland (From This is The West Country)

Tough guy Gary in Iceland

6:00pm Wednesday 17th October 2012 in Somerset

TOUGH guy Gary Clarke is in Iceland this week to take part in the World’s Strongest Man Disabled Man competition.

Gary, 35, of Chard, entered the competition in Reykjavik for the first time last year.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” he said. “Last year was a bit of an unknown quantity for me but I’ve been training hard for this year’s competition.”

He will compete in six disciplines – the Log Lift, Hercules Hold, Atlas Stones, Loading, Crucifix Hold and Truck Pull.

“I’m hoping to set personal bests in all of the events,” added Gary, who works out at the Griffin Strongman Camp at North Perrott with trainer Phil Diamond.

“I’d like to thank Phil for all his help and support – he’s great at encouraging and motivating you,” said Gary.

Gary, who has cerbral palsy, has been powerlifting for more than a decade but has only taken strongman events seriously for the past two years.

“I love the strongman events because they challenge me,” he said.

Gary would like to thank Impey Showers Ltd on the Conquest Business Park in Ilton for sponsorship.

He introduced his younger sister, Natasha, 28, to the sport and she was featured in the News after just missing out on a top three place in the 2012 Britain’s Strongest Woman competition.

“She’s doing really well but don’t tell her I told you that,” he said.