Tom Stoltman’s inspirational World’s Strongest Man impact making waves in Easter Ross backyard and far beyond
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A ROSS-SHIRE athlete who has become a household name across the globe is having a life-changing impact on a generation of people in his own back yard.
Tom Stoltman’s success bringing home a third World’s Strongest Man title has ramped up the feelgood factor across the Highlands - and seen the 29-year-old hailed a local role model.
With big brother Luke - a multiple award-winner in his own right - also again finishing in the top 10, calls are being made to have the dynamic duo added to hometown Invergordon’s mural trail.
Tom has openly spoken of his autism as “a superpower” and both have spoken out about the need to seek help to ensure good mental health.
Their impact on the lives of many has been movingly revealed by an outpouring of goodwill this week.
Janette Douglas of The Place youth group in Alness said: “Tom and Luke are above all else all about family.
“They have such a strong commitment to our local community and are such an inspiration to all our young ones.
“When Tom and his wife Sinead have come along to playschemes, we are always amazed at the questions the wee ones ask as they clearly know so much about him and totally look on him as being a huge celebrity.
“He has never declined an invitation to pop along to meet all our wee ones and is so good with them all - he is such a positive role model.”
South Lodge Primary school head teacher David Hayes-MacLeod said: “Tom and his brother Luke have between them achieved Britain’s, Europe’s and the World’s strongman titles.
“This is an absolutely outstanding achievement and as educators here in Invergordon – the hometown of the boys – seeing the inspiration that they are providing all our pupils and youngsters of the town and showing them that their goals can also be achieved with sheer hard work and determination is so commendable.
“I have said it before but will say it again – we cannot be more proud than what we are right now!”
Iain Love posted: “I regularly use you as a 'model performer' when teaching my classes! Your 'never give up' attitude and positivity no matter what life throws at you is truly inspirational.”
Sheila Macleod added: “Surely a street in Invergordon needs a new name. Your wonderful words brought a tear to my eye - what do we do without the love and support from family and friends?”
Shannon Stock said: “I was watching a video you did where you talked about autism being a superpower. My son, who is autistic, overheard and said: ‘Wait! I have a superpower?’
“I said, ‘Yes son you do’. He said: ‘Who is that man?’ I said: ‘That is Mr. Tom Stoltman. He is the strongest man in the world.’ He said: ‘So that means I can be the strongest man in the world?’ I said: ‘It means you have the power to be the best at whatever you want.’ With an approving nod he said: ‘Wow. Okay!’
Another added: “Thank you for being an inspiration to us all, but especially for those young children who need a hero. I am so proud that my son looks up to you.
“You win a lot of titles, but you win more hearts than you know.”
Suzi Martin, external affairs manager for National Autistic Society (Scotland), said: “Suzi Martin, External Affairs Manager, said: “We are delighted to hear that Tom Stoltman has won his third World’s Strongest Man title.
“We hear all too often of autistic young people growing up feeling alone, misunderstood, and ostracised.
“Many autistic people mask (hide) their autistic traits, at great personal cost, in order to fit in with the people around them and in the media.
“Therefore, it is incredibly important for autistic young people to see people like Tom in the media, to know that they are not alone, and that they, too, can achieve amazing things.”
