At just 15 years old, Keenan Pearson from Flimby, Cumbria, has already made waves in the strongman world. After being crowned Britain’s Under-17 Strongman Champion in December 2024 — only 10 weeks after taking up the sport — Pearson is now setting his sights on bigger stages in 2025, including a potential debut on the Giants Live circuit.
Pearson’s story is one of raw talent and rapid growth. As reported by the BBC, he defeated competitors two years older than him to claim the national title, a feat he credits to his one-on-one coaching with Adam Rumney at the Cumberland Strongman Academy. “I was speechless and shocked,” Pearson said after his win. His training focuses on foundational strongman movements like the farmer’s carry, tire flips, and deadlifts, which he’s adapted to his still-developing frame.
In 2025, Pearson is expected to compete in several youth and amateur events, with rumors of an invitation to the Giants Live Strongman Classic in London, scheduled for July 5. This event, which Mitchell Hooper won in 2024 with multiple world records, would pit Pearson against more experienced athletes, but his potential is undeniable. Hooper himself has praised young talent in the sport, noting in a Bleacher Report interview that the next generation is “hungrier than ever.”
Pearson’s rise comes at a time when strongman is seeing an influx of young athletes. Veterans like Tom Stoltman (three-time WSM champ) and Hafthor Björnsson (2018 WSM) still dominate, but names like Pearson signal a shift. His training under Rumney emphasizes technique over brute strength — crucial for a teenager still growing into his body. For example, Pearson’s deadlift form focuses on a strong hinge and neutral spine, avoiding the common mistake of rounding the back under heavy loads.
For young strongmen inspired by Pearson, his journey offers a blueprint: start with the basics and prioritize coaching. Movements like the log press (a staple at Giants Live events) can be mimicked with dumbbells to build overhead strength, while farmer’s carries with heavy kettlebells improve grip and core stability. Pearson’s success also highlights the importance of mental toughness — he visualizes each lift before stepping onto the platform, a trick that helps him stay calm under pressure.
As 2025 unfolds, Pearson’s trajectory will be one to watch. Will he make the leap to the pro level, or will the Giants Live stage prove too big a step? Either way, his story is a reminder that strongman isn’t just for giants — it’s for anyone willing to put in the work.
Sources:
BBC News, December 7, 2024
Bleacher Report, July 13, 2024
BarBend, December 20, 2024