Injury forced powerhouse Paul Wood to retire from
the UK's 105kg Strongest Man finals in Whitstable
on Sunday.

The 40-year-old Whitstable window cleaner was hoping to retain
the title he won last year but tore a bicep muscle in the first
event while pulling a 4x4 car.

He tried to continue but the injury was too severe and he was
forced to watch the rest of the contest from the side lines.

He was among 13 strongmen from around the country battling for
the title at Whitstable Rugby Club.

It was a painful and frustrating exit for Paul who had
previously announced it would be his last contest.

He said: "I'm gutted because I had trained hard for the event,
was injury free for the first time in ages and felt confident.

"I also wanted to put on a good show for all the people who
turned out to support me."

The Strongmen descend on
Whitstable

Strongman training is notoriously tough on the body and Paul was
one of three finalists who had to retire through
injury.

The contest was eventually won by Adam Bishop from the Midlands
who picked up the £300 first prize and a sea kayak donated by
Whitstable Marine.

See full story and pictures in Thursday's Whitstable
Gazette.