Gary Taylor

Gary Taylor (born 14 October 1961) is a British former Strongman, Weightlifter, Powerlifter and Bodybuilder.

He won the World's Strongest Man competition in 1993.

Career Taylor was inspired to lift weights at a young age after he saw a bodybuilding magazine and joined a local sports club. With three months of training he won the Welsh Junior Championships in Weightlifting. At the age of 21, he represented Wales at the 1982 Commonwealth games and placed sixth. At 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles he snatched in the 110 kg class which placed him second going into the clean and jerk, but unfortunately he failed all three of his attempts.

During mid 80s, Taylor focused more on bodybuilding and placed fifth at the 1987 Mr. Universe competition. During 1988 IFBB British Championships he emerged runner-up to future Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates. at 6 ft (183 cm) tall, he is the shortest World's Strongest Man winner in history. (former world record) → Taylor has also behind the neck push pressed during an exhibition in 1994 for an unofficial world record. Taylor confirmed in an interview in 2020 that was his best. Log press – (1993 World's Strongest Man, group 1) Smith machine Squat (partial lift not to parallel depth) – (1995 World's Strongest Man) Atlas stones – 5 stones weighing (no tacky) in 17.19 seconds (1993 World's Strongest Man) (World Record) Samson's barrow carry – 10 humans (25m course) in 12.55 seconds (1993 World's Strongest Man) (World Record) Keg toss – over (1995 Manfred Hoeberl Classic) (former world record) Weight over bar – over (1991 World Viking Challenge) Scottish hammer throw – super-heavy hammer for (1991 World Viking Challenge)

Retirement/later years Taylor, now retired from competition, worked within the PE department (he was a senior officer) at Aylesbury Young Offenders Institute, a prison for Category A (highest and most considered dangerous), as well as being the Senior Gym Officer and rugby coach for Ampthill youth rugby team. He moved to Littlehey Prison Cat-C/YOI as a Security Governor. Gary currently does commentating and event organizing for the annual UK's Strongest Man contest.

World's Strongest Man results 1991 World's Strongest Man – 3rd 1992 World's Strongest Man – 5th 1993 World's Strongest Man – Winner 1994 World's Strongest Man – Qualified 1995 World's Strongest Man – 6th