Morecambe strongman frustrated after illness ruins bid for European glory

Morecambe's Graham Hicks has spoken of his frustration after he was forced to withdraw from Europe's Strongest Man due to illness.

The former Britain's Strongest Man was unable to complete the competition held in Leeds on Saturday as he was suffering from a chest infection.

Hicks, who came third in Britain earlier this year, was otherwise in great shape for the contest having achieved a personal best for reps on deadlifts in training at his gym in Morecambe.

But he had to pull out after taking part in the first event on Saturday, the log ladder.

"In short. I have been suffering with an infection on my chest for almost a month," he posted on his Facebook page afterwards.

"I thought if I rested a full week before ESM it would clear, but it hasn't.

"It's extremely frustrating knowing I'm strong and in good shape but not able to show it. Hopefully get it cleared soon but thankyou for all the messages.

"Thankyou Giants Live for the opportunity as always. And to (my wife Kimber-Lee) for being my rock as always.

"Counting the days till I am fully fit and I can fly my flag in front of those incredible crowds that support us.

"Frustration is real right now!"

Ukrainian athlete Pavlo Kordiyaka went on to win Saturday's event.

Graham hopes to be fit and ready for the World's Strongest Man event in a few weeks' time.

The Morecambe dad-of-three won the Britain's Strongest Man title in 2019, was also runner-up in 2018 and came third in 2021.

In recent years, Hicks has had to contend with injuries, after tearing his bicep while reaching the World's Strongest Man final in 2020, then returned only to tear his groin too.

After 18 months of gruelling rehabilitation, Graham came back to strongman action and performed impressively in January to finish third in the field of 12 of the strongest men in Britain.

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