Invergordon strongman Tom Stoltman is preparing to beat one of his greatest rivals – himself.
The 25-year-old “king of the stones” earned himself the title of world champion in March after setting a new Atlas stone record weight of 273kg at the Arnold Strongman Classic event in Columbus, Ohio.
Now two months on, the bodybuilding champion is preparing to smash his record by lifting a 286kg stone.
Mr Stoltman, known as The Albatross, will attempt the challenge on May 23 at the Stoltman Strength Centre in Invergordon.
His attempt will feature as part of a free online livestream world record attempt hosted by CoreSports as part of World’s Ultimate Strongman.
His brother Luke Stoltman, The Highland Oak, is also preparing to beat the Log Lift world record of 229kg at 5pm on Saturday.
Looking ahead to the feat, Tom said he is excited and prepared for what lies ahead after undertaking a rigorous training programme to help him reach his ultimate goal of 300kg.
He said: “I am excited but I am also confident because I know I can do this. I have been training for the heavier stone.
“It is really intense. You are pushing your body through something that’s never been done before. I am not breaking the record by 1kg, I am breaking it by 13kg so it’s an extreme way to do it.
“It’s one of those things you have to train hard for and on the day if you lift it, you lift it but if you don’t you don’t.”