The strongman community is buzzing with excitement as Andrew Flynn, a Sussex native originally from Lancing, has qualified for the 2025 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) competition, set to take place in Sacramento, California, from May 15–18. Flynn’s journey is nothing short of inspiring—he trains four times a week in a makeshift gym in his garden, proving that dedication and grit can outweigh fancy facilities.
Flynn’s qualification came after a stellar 2024 season, where he caught the attention of strongman fans and organizers alike. According to a BBC report from February 3, 2025, Flynn has been working under the guidance of a coach in his garden gym, a setup that’s as humble as it is effective. His training regimen focuses on classic strongman events like the yoke walk, stone lifts, and deadlifts, which he’s adapted to his limited space. “I never thought my garden would be the place I’d prep for WSM,” Flynn told the BBC. “It’s all about consistency and pushing your limits, no matter where you are.”
The 2025 WSM lineup is expected to be fierce, with returning champions like Tom Stoltman (three-time WSM winner) and Mitchell Hooper (2023 champion) already confirmed. Flynn will also face other rising stars, such as Mateusz Kieliszkowski, who won the 2024 Magnus Ver Magnusson Strongman Classic, and Andrew Burton, a U.S. competitor who made waves in 2024 with a bronze at the Official Strongman Games (OSG). BarBend’s December 2024 article highlighted these athletes as ones to watch, and Flynn’s qualification adds another layer of intrigue to the competition.
What makes Flynn’s story resonate is his underdog status. Unlike many pros with access to top-tier gyms, Flynn’s setup is a testament to resourcefulness. He’s built his own yoke using scrap metal and uses tractor tires for flipping practice. His coach has tailored a program that maximizes Flynn’s raw power, focusing on explosive strength for events like the car walk — a staple at WSM, where athletes strap a vehicle to their shoulders and race down a 20-meter course.
For fans, Flynn’s journey offers a lesson: you don’t need a fancy gym to chase big dreams. His training tips are practical for any aspiring strongman. “Focus on compound lifts like squats and deadlifts,” Flynn advises. “And don’t shy away from odd objects — lifting stones or logs builds real-world strength.” As he prepares for Sacramento, Flynn is also working on his mental game, using visualization techniques to handle the pressure of competing against giants like Stoltman and Hooper.
The 2025 WSM in Sacramento promises to be a spectacle, with heavier loads and new events rumored to challenge the athletes like never before. Will Flynn’s garden gym training pay off on the global stage? Strength sports fans will be watching closely.
Sources:
BBC News, “Sussex father qualifies for World’s Strongest Man with garden gym,” February 3, 2025.
BarBend, “7 Strongman Athletes To Watch In 2025,” December 20, 2024.
Fitness Volt, “2025 World’s Strongest Man Location and Dates Revealed,” November 19, 2024.