Lifting: Becoming the World's Strongest Brothers

by Luke Stoltman, Tom Stoltman

When Loch Morlich freezes over, we cut a hole in the ice and jump in.

Tom 'The Albatross' and Luke 'The Highland Oak' Stoltman are the world's strongest brothers. Between them, they've won everything there is to win in the mighty world of Strongman.

Tom can deadlift a 430kg bar to hip height, equivalent to about seven washing machines. Luke isn't far behind. Yet for the Stoltmans, being strong is about more than pure muscle. It's about overcoming adversity. And it's about honouring their biggest their mother, who died in 2016 leaving the family devastated.

They've also transcended the sport, not least through launching the hugely successful online Stoltman Strength Academy. Through it all, they've stayed true to their roots in the Highlands of Scotland, giving back to their community, their family, and each other.

But it wasn't always like this. Back in 2010, Luke worked full time on oil rigs in the North Sea, and Tom was a teenager contending with the challenges posed by his autism. So, how did two lads from Invergordon conquer the world? Simple. They started lifting.

In their autobiography, Tom and Luke Stoltman show you how to how to lift the lid on life with autism. How to lift yourself out of the darkness of bereavement. How to lift the trophy at the World's Strongest Man.

Genres: Nonfiction

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 27, 2023

Reviews

[debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given it 5 stars but its better than 5 stars best book I've read in a long time

[Keith Bott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic and very inspirational read. Living in Scotland also and lifting iron for 30 odd years, I found this book to be one of the best I have ever read.

[Mats · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing book! Not just about Strongman or for sports fanatics, this book is the touching and unlikely story of how two lads from Invergordon in the north of Scotland became the world’s strongest brothers. They had nothing but good genes, resilience, a lot of gumption, oh, and a promise to their mum who passed away.
If this book doesn’t get made into a Hollywood blockbuster, the world is missing out!

[Teigan Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure how to do this justice in a review. An amazing book that gave a fascinating insight into the journey to being a strongmen and winning WSM. Really enjoyed the insights from the team around Luke and Tom too to give it an extra edge and complete the book. Can’t wait to see what they can achieve as strongmen in the future!

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! Loved it truely inspirational.

[Vicky Lyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great blokes, great read

It was a great read about two lovely fellas. If you like strongman or sports books give it a go.

[Louise Pattinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Just read it. Gives me a whole new appreciation for the worlds strongest man and these amazing brothers.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book. Very thought provoking. I wish it had been around 30 years ago when I could have changed my career. Definitely shows you can do anything with the right mindset.

[John Poulain · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is mainly aimed at the fans of the Stoltman Podcast or YouTube videos. Tom is very clear he's an active competitor and not going to share any secrets "there's an exercise I do for atlas stones that I know for a fact nobody else does." Whilst there are a couple of sections talking about their sets and reps for each day in the gym I'm not sure it all adds up to the 2-4 hours they can spend there so I'd take it with a pinch of salt. The book talks more about the brother's background and history. Like winning a deadlift competitin "if im doing 300kgs in the gym i might as well enter" Luke Winning Scotlands strongest man after only training strongman for 2 years, ripping a shirt of and screaming this is fucking easy having been drunk in a pub at 4.30am. Here are some interesting tidbits. Luke doing Offshore oil rig work, going down at night to get the nightshift meals in as well for the extra calories. But some of the parts seem contradictory "Focus on the form and the weight will come" "For strongman you have to do everything wrong" which inunderstand they've trained to lift with a rounded back (how else do you lift stones) but doesn't seem to both be consistent.

Random bits of humour seem to jump in "450kgs is the weight of a grand piano, or of a whale testicle." Or "I didtnt place well and that was a real kick in the dick" I also thought it was odd that the audio book called it "Stafford-Shire" but maybe I'm just more used to "Stafford-Sheer"

Choice Notes
Tom says he does 21 15 9 crossfit styke exercise

[Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wholesome, inspiring and fun.

I listened to this book via the audible version and it was read by the brothers themselves. Loved every bit of it, great story and insight in a different world.

The audio version also had a good Q&A with them at the end along with some motivation clips for training which was cool.

I’d highly recommend this for people interested in keeping active but also people looking for a humble inspirational story.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

After watching the Stoltman brothers on World's Strongest Man for the last few years it was interesting to get a bit more background on them and find out some personal history about them both. They are both very dedicated to their profession and it was fascinating to see how much time and effort and food they go through to achieve what they do! There was a lot of information regarding the competitions they take part in and mentions of other strong men.

[Jade Bosworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awe-inspiring. Powerful. Funny. Passionate. Inspiring. A deep and passionate look into the lives of the Stoltman brothers and is truly an amazing read. Their dedication to the sport, their families and each other is next level and they are truly inspiring for anyone who finds it difficult to change their lives for the better. Definitely worth the read and recommending to everyone I know.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love lifting and learning I highly recommend this book because it is inspiring and helps me learn more about autism too. Highly recommended if you like weight lifting even if you aren't into strongman.

[Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's absolutely brilliant. It's such a wonderful story. From one autistic lady to Tom, you are amazing and keep up the good work. This story was very inspiring. I listened to the audiobook and loved every minute. The last motivation comment had me in hysterics.

[Nicholas Palumbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great look into the lives and careers of the Stoltman brothers. The book was both inspiring and humorous at times

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Sam Covette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing insight into the Stoltman brothers journey to World and European strongest men.
Inspiring and heartfelt at the same time

[Martin Duffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible motivational biography from these two athletes, really showing nothing can stop you if you put your mind to it.

[Mrs Rebecca Rennoldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing, and so inspiring

[Cala Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

really positive and an easy read been a long time since I did a book in a day that's how grid I was I just couldn't put in down

[Casan Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I was already a fan of the Stoltman brothers, but didn’t know much about their origin story. I learned a lot while reading this. I’m now an even bigger fan. Highly recommend!