He was athletic as a child and at the age of 13 started training in Shot Put going on to compete in the World Under 18s, World Juniors, European Juniors, and winning a silver and a bronze at the Commonwealth Games under 19's in Australia.

When he was 23 he began powerlifting and won British titles and came second in the World Junior 140 kg+ category.

He was also guided in his training by Steve Winters and Paul Woods (the ex UK 105 kg champion).

In 2009 he placed second in Britain's Most Powerful Man, and also came second in the UK Team Championships with Jay Hughes.

However, it was not until 2012 that he began to make impression in the blue ribbon events of British strength athletics.