Gavin Bilton
Gavin “The Bull” Bilton (born 23 October 1988) is a professional strongman from Wales and a two-time winner of the UK's Strongest Man competition. He is one of the all time heaviest strongmen in the world, weighing in at 215 kg (474 lbs) during his peak.[1]
Gavin Bilton | |
|---|---|
| Born | 23 October 1988 Caerphilly, Wales |
| Occupation | Strongman |
| Height | 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) |
Bilton grew up in Caerphilly and attended Bedwas Infants School, Bedwas Junior School and Bedwas High School.[2]
Before becoming a professional strongman, Bilton served for 13 years in the Welsh Guards, completing two tours in Afghanistan and acting as a Queen's Guard at Buckingham Palace. Since leaving the army, Gavin has set up his own gym in Caerphilly, called "Area 51".[3]
In October 2020, Bilton won 2021 UK's Strongest Man competition at the grounds of the Crumlin Road Jail in Belfast.[4] He would go on to retain the title in 2021.[5]
Bilton qualified for at the 2020 World's Strongest Man competition in Bradenton, Florida, US, finishing 5th in his heat after sustaining a rib injury during the squat lift. He qualified again for the 2021 contest in Sacramento, California, US, finishing 4th in his heat.
A former rugby union player, Bilton had spells at Welsh Premiership sides Bridgend, Swansea, Newport, and Bedwas. Bilton played for Caerphilly RFC in the WRU National Bowl final at the Principality Stadium in 2017.[6]
References
- "Gavin Bilton". giants-live.com. Retrieved 11 June 2022.
- Williams, Rhys (18 December 2020). "The man looking to become the world's strongest". Caerphilly Observer. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
- "Guardsman Gavin Bilton - Wales's Strongest Man?". welshguardscharity.co.uk. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
- "Getting to know the UK's Strongest Man 2020 – Gavin 'The Bull' Bilton". jungleofiron.co.uk/. 27 January 2021. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
- Phil, Blechman (June 2021). "Gavin Bilton Wins 2021 UK's Strongest Man". barbend.com. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
- Brooke, Boucher. "Gavin Bilton from Caerphilly wins UK's Strongest Man event". southwalesargus.co.uk/. Retrieved 5 January 2022.