- Eddie Jo Williams, born in 1990 in Manurewa, New Zealand, is a professional strongman, singer, youth support worker, and 2x Australia’s Strongest Man (2017, 2018).
- He debuted at the 2019 World’s Strongest Man, competed in 2024, and set a world record in the Nicol Stones (31.66 meters) at the 2023 Giants Live Strongman Classic.
- Known as the “Singing Strongman,” he gained fame on Australia’s Got Talent (2019) and AGT: The Champions 2, blending strength with musical performances.
- His career highlights include strong performances in World’s Strongest Man qualifiers and a 12th-place finish in 2024.
Background and Early Life:
Raised in a Samoan family in Manurewa, New Zealand, Eddie’s early life centered on community and resilience. His work with autistic children reflects his compassionate nature, while his athletic pursuits began with powerlifting, leading to strongman in 2017.
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Career Highlights:
Williams won Australia’s Strongest Man in 2017 and 2018, debuted internationally in 2019, and set a Nicol Stones world record in 2023. At the 2024 World’s Strongest Man, he excelled in events like the Webster Stones (1st, 46.45 meters) but finished 12th overall. He has not won the World’s Strongest Man title.
Current Status:
As of April 17, 2025, Eddie remains a prominent strongman, balancing competitions with his roles as a youth worker and performer. His recent social media activity and fan engagement indicate ongoing preparation for future events.
Eddie Jo Williams: The Singing Strongman Redefining Strength and Soul
In the world of strongman, where brute force meets unyielding grit, Eddie Jo Williams stands out not just for his physical prowess but for his soulful voice and boundless heart. Born in 1990 in Manurewa, New Zealand, and proudly representing Australia, Eddie has earned the title of Australia’s Strongest Man twice (2017, 2018) and captivated audiences worldwide as the “Singing Strongman.” From setting a world record in the Nicol Stones at the 2023 Giants Live Strongman Classic to serenading crowds on Australia’s Got Talent, Eddie’s journey is a remarkable blend of strength, artistry, and compassion. As of April 17, 2025, his multifaceted career continues to inspire, with his sights set on the global strongman stage and a legacy that transcends the sport.
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Early Life: Roots in Resilience
Eddie Jo Williams was born into a Samoan family in Manurewa, a vibrant suburb of South Auckland, New Zealand. Growing up in a tight-knit community, he was shaped by the values of family, hard work, and cultural pride. His Samoan heritage instilled a deep sense of resilience, which would later fuel his achievements in both strongman and public life. Little is documented about his childhood, but Eddie’s early years were marked by an athletic inclination and a passion for music, two threads that would weave through his extraordinary career.
His professional path took an unconventional turn when he began working as a youth support worker for children with autism, a demanding role that required emotional strength and patience. Eddie’s ability to connect with others, whether through his job or his public persona, reflects a warmth that sets him apart in the often stoic world of strength sports.
The Rise to Strongman Stardom
Eddie’s foray into strongman began in 2017, a pivotal year when he transitioned from powerlifting to the more dynamic and varied challenges of strongman competitions. His natural strength, honed through years of lifting and athletic training, made him an immediate standout. At 6’4” and approximately 190 kg (419 lb), Eddie’s imposing physique paired with his agility and endurance earned him the nickname “One Trip Wonder” for his knack for completing carrying events in a single, seamless effort.
In 2017, Eddie claimed his first major title, winning Australia’s Strongest Man, a feat he repeated in 2018. These back-to-back victories, established him as a dominant force in the Australian strongman scene. His ability to move massive weights, such as pulling a monster truck (showcased in a video cited by MensXP), captivated audiences and set the stage for his international debut.
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International Breakthrough: World’s Strongest Man and Beyond
Eddie’s global journey began in 2019 when he represented Australia at the Tachi Palace World’s Strongest Man in California. At 28, he approached his debut with ambition, aiming to reach the finals. While he didn’t advance to the finals, his performance in moving events like yoke carries showcased his potential, earning him respect among peers and fans. Eddie’s enthusiasm for the sport was evident, as he expressed a desire to inspire new strongmen to join the ranks, emphasizing the sport’s inclusivity and camaraderie.
His breakout moment came in 2023 at the Giants Live Strongman Classic, where he set a world record in the Nicol Stones, carrying the stones 31.66 meters. This achievement solidified his reputation as a master of stone-carrying events, a discipline requiring both strength and stamina.
In 2024, Eddie returned to the World’s Strongest Man in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, delivering a standout performance in the qualifiers. He dominated the Webster Stones event, carrying 250 lb and 300 lb stones 46.45 meters to finish first overall in the event. In the Deadlift Ladder, he lifted barbells up to 841 lb, placing 2nd in his group with a time of 58.07 seconds. The Sandbag Steeplechase saw him hoist sandbags (176–264 lb) over a bar, finishing 4th with 5 segments in 58.33 seconds. On Day 2, he placed 5th in the Globe Viking Press (10 reps) and won the Car Walk, yoking a 1,000 lb Volkswagen Beetle frame in 14.06 seconds. However, a loss in the Stone Off against Luke Stoltman (3 reps vs. 4) prevented him from advancing to the finals, resulting in a 12th-place finish overall.
Despite not reaching the finals, Eddie’s 2024 performance was a career highlight, showcasing his growth and earning him a reserve spot for the finals. His sportsmanship, evident in his camaraderie with competitors like Stoltman, and his engagement with fans wearing his “One Trip Wonder” merchandise, underscored his popularity.
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The Singing Strongman: A Multifaceted Talent
Eddie’s moniker, the “Singing Strongman,” stems from his musical talents, which he showcased on Australia’s Got Talent in 2019. His audition was a masterclass in showmanship. Eddie rolled a 150 kg cement ball onto the stage, lifted it onto tires, and added a 165 kg ball to create a platform. Sitting atop this structure, he surprised the audience by singing Ordinary People by John Legend, earning a standing ovation and advancing to the semifinals. His performance blended raw power with soulful artistry, captivating judges and viewers alike.
In 2020, Eddie competed on AGT: The Champions 2, performing feats of strength while singing, though he was eliminated in the preliminaries. In 2022, he auditioned for Italy’s Tu Si Que Vales, reaching the pre-semifinals. These appearances, combined with his history as a wedding singer, highlight his ability to merge his athletic and artistic identities, making him a unique figure in strongman.
Personal Life and Community Impact
Eddie’s life is a balancing act between his demanding roles as a strongman, youth worker, and performer. Based in Adelaide, Australia, he is married to Hannah Williams, who provides unwavering support during competitions. The couple has three children, who cheer him on from home, adding a personal dimension to his public persona.
His work with autistic children is a cornerstone of his life, offering a outlet for his compassion and mental resilience. Eddie has spoken about using powerlifting and singing to cope with the stress of his job, . His community engagement extends to social media, where his Facebook page (@EddieJoWilliams, with 170,210 followers) showcases training updates, performances, and fan interactions.
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Future Aspirations: Chasing the Ultimate Prize
Eddie Williams has not yet won the World’s Strongest Man title, but his trajectory suggests he is a contender for future competitions. His 2024 performance, particularly his dominance in moving events, positions him as a rising star. He aims to qualify for the finals in upcoming World’s Strongest Man events and continue breaking records, building on his Nicol Stones achievement. His social media activity, including recent posts about training and fan engagement, indicates active preparation for the 2025 season.
Eddie’s broader goal is to inspire others, as he expressed in 2019: “I love this sport. I want to inspire new Strongmen to take up this sport…and get more numbers” (The World’s Strongest Man). His unique blend of strength, music, and community service makes him a role model for aspiring athletes and performers.
Table: Eddie Jo Williams’ Career Milestones
Year | Competition/Event | Achievement | Notable Performance |
---|---|---|---|
2017 | Australia’s Strongest Man | 1st Place | Established dominance in Australia |
2018 | Australia’s Strongest Man | 1st Place | Defended title |
2019 | World’s Strongest Man (Tachi Palace) | Competed | Debut, excelled in moving events |
2019 | Australia’s Got Talent | Semifinals | Sang Ordinary People with strength feats |
2020 | AGT: The Champions 2 | Preliminaries | Eliminated after strength and singing act |
2022 | Tu Si Que Vales (Italy) | Pre-Semifinals | Showcased strength and performance |
2023 | Giants Live Strongman Classic | World Record | Nicol Stones: 31.66 meters |
2024 | World’s Strongest Man | 12th Place | Webster Stones: 1st (46.45 meters); Car Walk: 1st (14.06 seconds) |
Conclusion: A Legacy of Strength and Song
Eddie Jo Williams is more than a strongman he is a cultural phenomenon, blending the raw power of a 2x Australia’s Strongest Man with the soulful artistry of a performer. His world record in the Nicol Stones, standout performances at the 2024 World’s Strongest Man, and unforgettable appearances on talent shows have made him a global figure. As of April 17, 2025, Eddie continues to compete, inspire, and uplift, balancing his roles as an athlete, youth worker, and family man. With his sights set on the World’s Strongest Man title, Eddie’s journey is far from over, promising a legacy that will echo in both strength
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