- Andrew Flynn, a 33-year-old strongman from Lancing, Sussex, has qualified for the 2025 World’s Strongest Man competition, set for May 15-18 in Sacramento, California.
- Known as “Flying Flynn,” he transitioned from professional rugby to strongman in 2015, winning Worthing’s Strongest Man in his debut year.
- Flynn trains in his garden gym four days a week while working full-time as a storesperson for Southern Railway, balancing his career with family life as a father and husband.
- His notable achievements include 3rd place in Britain’s Strongest Man 2025 and 2nd in England’s Strongest Man 2024, showcasing his rapid rise in the sport.
- Flynn’s story highlights dedication and resourcefulness, though his success depends on navigating the intense competition at the global level.
Background and Early Life
Andrew Flynn was born on April 12, 1992, in Lancing, Sussex, England. Growing up in a region known for its coastal charm, Flynn developed a passion for sports early on, eventually playing professional rugby for Worthing. His athletic background laid the groundwork for his later success in strongman, a sport demanding both physical power and mental resilience.
Transition to Strongman
In 2015, Flynn’s career took a pivotal turn when he began training at a local gym for Worthing’s Strongest Man competition. His victory in this debut event sparked a passion for strongman, leading him to pursue the sport professionally. This transition from rugby to strongman marked the beginning of a journey that would see him compete on some of the world’s biggest stages.
Career and Achievements
Flynn’s strongman career, spanning 2021 to 2025, reflects steady progress. Starting with a 7th-place finish in UK’s Strongest Man in 2021, he improved to 3rd in 2024 and secured a podium finish in Britain’s Strongest Man 2025, earning a spot in the World’s Strongest Man. His 2nd-place finish in England’s Strongest Man 2024 further cements his status as a top contender. Flynn excels in events like the Atlas stones and truck push, leveraging his speed and power.
Current Status
As of April 17, 2025, Flynn is preparing for the World’s Strongest Man competition. His recent 6th-place finish in Europe’s Strongest Man on April 5, 2025, demonstrates his competitive edge, though the global event will test his abilities against the world’s elite strongmen. Flynn’s unique training in his garden gym and his ability to balance a demanding job and family life make him a relatable and inspiring figure.
From Garden Gym to Global Stage: Andrew Flynn’s Strongman Journey
In the realm of strongman, where athletes perform feats of Herculean strength, Andrew Flynn, affectionately known as “Flying Flynn,” has carved a unique path. A 33-year-old from Lancing, Sussex, Flynn has risen from a professional rugby player to a formidable contender, qualifying for the prestigious 2025 World’s Strongest Man competition, set for May 15-18 in Sacramento, California . His journey, marked by training in a garden gym and balancing a full-time job with family life, is a testament to resilience, resourcefulness, and raw passion.
Early Life: A Foundation in Athletics
Born on April 12, 1992, in Lancing, Sussex, Andrew Flynn grew up in a coastal town known for its community spirit. From a young age, he displayed a natural aptitude for sports, channeling his energy into rugby. Flynn played professionally for Worthing, where his physicality and teamwork skills flourished. This athletic foundation, built on discipline and endurance, would later prove instrumental in his transition to strongman, a sport that demands both mental fortitude and physical prowess.
Discovering Strongman: A Life-Changing Victory
Flynn’s entry into strongman was serendipitous. In 2015, at the age of 23, he began training at a local gym for Worthing’s Strongest Man competition, a regional event that tests strength through grueling tasks. To his surprise, Flynn clinched victory in his debut, igniting a passion for the sport. This win marked a turning point, shifting his focus from rugby to the world of strongman, where he found a new arena to showcase his strength and competitive spirit.
Training in the Garden: A Symbol of Dedication
Unlike many professional athletes with access to state-of-the-art facilities, Flynn’s training setup is remarkably humble. He trains four days a week in a makeshift gym in his garden, guided by a dedicated coach . This garden gym, equipped with weights and strongman apparatus, has become a symbol of his resourcefulness. Flynn’s ability to transform his backyard into a training powerhouse reflects his determination to overcome logistical constraints and pursue excellence.
Balancing this rigorous training with a full-time job as a stores person at Southern Railway’s Brighton depot, a role he has held for eight years, showcases his work ethic. Flynn’s schedule is a testament to his ability to juggle multiple responsibilities while maintaining peak physical condition .
Competition History: A Steady Ascent
Flynn’s strongman career, spanning 2021 to 2025, is a story of consistent improvement and breakthrough moments. His competition record, highlights his rapid rise:
- 2021: Placed 7th in UK’s Strongest Man in Milton Keynes, marking his debut on the national stage.
- 2022: Finished 8th in UK’s Strongest Man, facing tougher competition but gaining valuable experience.
- 2023: Improved to 4th in UK’s Strongest Man and 5th in both the OSG European Championships and England’s Strongest Man, showing his growing prowess.
- 2024: Achieved 3rd in UK’s Strongest Man and a standout 2nd in England’s Strongest Man, cementing his status as a top contender .
- 2025: Secured 3rd in Britain’s Strongest Man on February 1, earning qualification for World’s Strongest Man, and placed 6th in Europe’s Strongest Man on April 5.
His 3rd-place finish in Britain’s Strongest Man 2025, decided by a mere half-point, was a defining moment. Flynn described the achievement as leaving him “speechless,” a reflection of the raw emotion and passion that fuel his performances .
Notable Events and Strengths
Flynn’s versatility shines in strongman events that test both strength and speed. His favorite event, the Atlas stones, involves hoisting massive spherical stones onto plinths, a task that demands precision and power. He has also excelled in the truck push, notably moving an 8,500kg truck, as well as the brick lift, carry and drag medley, and Viking press. His personal record includes a 170kg (375lb) Axle Press at the 2024 Giants Live Strongman Classic, underscoring his strength .
Flynn’s nickname, “Flying Flynn,” reflects his reputation as one of the fastest strongmen, a trait that sets him apart in a sport often dominated by sheer mass. His speed, combined with his power, makes him a formidable competitor in dynamic events.
Competition Milestones
| Year | Competition | Placement | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | UK’s Strongest Man | 7th of 8 | Milton Keynes, England | Debut national competition |
| 2022 | UK’s Strongest Man | 8th of 8 | Milton Keynes, England | Gained experience |
| 2023 | UK’s Strongest Man | 4th of 8 | Nottingham, England | Significant improvement |
| 2023 | OSG European Championships | 5th of 9 | London, England | International debut |
| 2023 | England’s Strongest Man | 5th of 12 | Doncaster, England | Strong national showing |
| 2024 | UK’s Strongest Man | 3rd of 8 | Cardiff, Wales | Podium finish |
| 2024 | England’s Strongest Man | 2nd of 13 | York, England | Career-best national result |
| 2024 | Giants Live Strongman Classic | 7th of 12 | London, England | International experience |
| 2025 | Britain’s Strongest Man | 3rd of 12 | Sheffield, England | Qualified for World’s Strongest Man |
| 2025 | Europe’s Strongest Man | 6th of 12 | Leeds, England | Competitive international performance |
Personal Life: Balancing Strength and Family
Beyond the competition arena, Flynn is a devoted family man. As a father and husband, he places family at the core of his life, a value he emphasized during an interview on The Lion Mind Podcast. He spoke of balancing life around goals, with family as the top priority, a philosophy that keeps him grounded amidst the demands of his strongman career and railway job.
Flynn’s ability to manage these responsibilities working full-time, training rigorously, and nurturing his family—has earned him admiration. His story resonates with those who see him as a relatable figure, proving that extraordinary achievements are possible even with ordinary resources.
Preparing for World’s Strongest Man 2025
As of April 17, 2025, Flynn is gearing up for the World’s Strongest Man competition, a pinnacle event in the sport (World’s Strongest Man). His qualification, secured through his Britain’s Strongest Man performance, marks a significant milestone. Despite his 6th-place finish in Europe’s Strongest Man, Flynn remains focused, determined to “give it my best shot” on the global stage.
The competition will pit him against 25 of the world’s elite strongmen, including past champions like Brian Shaw and Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson. Flynn’s speed and versatility, particularly in events like the Atlas stones and truck push, will be key to his performance. His preparation in his garden gym continues, a testament to his unwavering commitment.
Legacy and Impact
Andrew Flynn’s journey is more than a tale of physical strength; it’s a narrative of perseverance, balance, and passion. From his rugby days in Worthing to his garden gym in Lancing, Flynn has defied expectations, proving that dedication can transform modest beginnings into global opportunities. His story inspires aspiring athletes and everyday individuals alike, showing that with hard work and heart, the impossible becomes attainable.
As he steps onto the World’s Strongest Man stage, Flynn carries the pride of Sussex and England, embodying the spirit of a true strongman. Whether he claims the title or not, his legacy as “Flying Flynn” is already one of courage and inspiration.