Ex-champion aiming to grab the glory in John O’Groats Strongest Man event
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Kevin Macgregor is determined to grab the glory in this year's John O’Groats Strongest Man challenge after missing the last two events through injury.
The powerfully built 31-year-old from Groats has been organising the annual challenge since it began in 2018 and won the first three before suffering an arm injury that prevented him competing in 2021 and 2022.
The event is taking place this Sunday, returning to a summer slot after being held in November last time out.
"I'll be back this year," Kevin confirmed. "I'm only seven months back training but I'm hoping I'll be strong enough to win.
"It's hard mentally to get back more than anything else."
He is one of eight contestants who will battle it out over seven tests of strength, including Log Press, Power Stairs and World's Strongest Man Deadlift Machine as well as a truck pull.
His rivals for the title are Calum Elder (Orkney), William Middleton (Thurso), Jason Anderson (Castletown), Tony Mcphee (Castletown), Dave Mcneillie (Aberdeen) and two Scotland's Strongest Man competitors, Liam Goldie (Stirling) and Bret Gillies (Aberdeen).
"Originally I had 12 or 13 but I've had some pull out with injury," said Kevin, who has been on the road to recovery since snapping a biceps tendon while flipping a 425-kilo tyre two years ago.
"I'm pretty confident," he added. "I'm not exactly the same strength I was when I got hurt but I'm not far off it and I've got quite a bit of motivation, so I think that will carry me through."
Kevin is pleased that all the main sponsors are continuing their support, with some new ones coming on board.
The winner will again be in line for a £1000 prize and there is a new trophy this year – a steel plate with the John O'Groats Strongest Man logo and room for winners' names to be engraved.
The end-of-the-road turning area near John O'Groats harbour will again form a circular arena, with some seating available. The action starts at 11.30am and is expected to finish between 3pm and 4pm.
It is hoped there will be a piper, a bouncy castle and other entertainment. Overspill parking will be available at the field where the Mey Highland Games are held overflow parking
Kevin hopes to see a big turnout to cheer on the strongmen.
He said: "It's certainly something different and unique and it's a variety of events, similar to the Highland Games, where you're testing so many aspects of strengths."
The winner last year was Aberdeenshire's Phil Jack. The 2021 champion was Zake Muluzi, the self-styled “Malawian Monster”, based in Nairn.
