This article was originally written by Tom Jeffreys for SWNS — the U.K.’s largest independent news agency, providing globally relevant original, verified, and engaging content to the world’s leading media outlets.
Scott Endersby had his right leg amputated in 2018 after a motorcycle accident. But in 2025, the IT technician became the first person to ever be crowned the world’s, Britain’s, and England’s Strongest Disabled Man in the same year — and now, he’s setting his sights on the Paralympics.
Endersby, who’s from Southampton, England, lost his leg after four surgeries failed to repair the damage caused by the crash. Despite parts of the amputation process being “the most painful thing I’ve ever experienced,” the 34-year-old told SWNS, the ordeal was a “blessing in disguise” for the purpose it has given him in life.
A regular gym-goer before the crash, Endersby fell into a depression after the amputation. But that changed when he discovered the GB Disabled Strongman competition in 2022. He immediately fell in love with the sport, and after setting a goal of competing within 18 months, got to work training.
“When I set out to do this, I wanted a legacy that my nephews and future kids can look back at, to be not just another person, someone to be recognized,” he said.
Endersby proved a natural at his newfound passion. In 2023, he took third place in England’s competition, then came in first the following year. In 2025, he defended that title and went on to win the British title undefeated across the five events — the first time that’s been done. He set a record of 38 repetitions of a 617-pound seated deadlift and a world record for a standing amputee pressing a log above their head, with 221 pounds.
That November, he traveled alone to Arlington, Texas, for the World title event, with his family watching on a live stream. American opponent Joshua Smith won the first two of four events, but Endersby clawed his way back into contention with a personal best in the seated deadlift, lifting 1,047 pounds — about 286 pounds more than his counterpart.
That took them to sandbag loading, the decisive last event during which the two hauled bags weighing between 176 and 253 pounds over a barrier. Endersby completed the exercise just 0.14 seconds quicker to take the crown.
“It was a photo finish, we had no idea what was going on. My heart was racing and when the judge said I’d won it was a huge wave of relief,” he said. “I don’t think I fathomed it until I got home. In those situations you don’t really feel victory until it settles in at home.”
He added: “I feel great about it, still in awe with myself [that] I’ve achieved what I have in such a small space of time. I definitely see the crash now as a silver lining — I don’t think I’d have done something like this without it. I’d be stuck in limbo mode, in one gear not doing anything. When you have a near-death or life-changing experience, you reevaluate.”
Now that he’s won “the big three,” Endersby feels that he’s completed his Strongman journey, and is shifting his focus to the next Paralympics. “I’m moving over to the throwing events: discus, shot put, and javelin,” he said. “I have a good strength base, it’s just about finding the technique and developing power. My first session was pretty good, we’ll see.”
And ultimately, Endersby hopes that his achievements can motivate the disabled community. “I love to be an inspiration. A lot of the time disabled people don’t know about Strongman so I want to get the word out there that training can help them as much as it’s helped me,” he said. “People can be so defeatist from the off but you don’t know until you try. You’ve just got to make the most of it, be a bit different.”
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