Gary Taylor (strongman)

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Gary Taylor (born 14 October 1961 in Cardiff, Wales) is a British strength athlete famous for his success in the 1990s as a weightlifter, powerlifter, bodybuilder, and strongman.

Early career
Taylor started in weightlifting and competed for Wales at the 1982 Commonwealth Games, finishing sixth. He also took part in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in the 110 kg class, snatching 170 kg but failing all three attempts in the clean and jerk. In the mid- to late 1980s he dabbed in bodybuilding and powerlifting, winning the 1989 Welsh Powerlifting Championships and posting strong lifts at the British Powerlifting Championships.

Strongman career
Taylor moved into strongman and quickly found success. He won Wales’ Strongest Man in 1989 and would go on to win it several more times. At the World's Strongest Man events, he placed 3rd in 1991, 5th in 1992, and then became the champion in 1993 in Orange, France. He also competed well in other events, helping establish himself as one of Britain’s top strongmen of the era.

Lifts and records
Taylor was known for his behind-the-neck push press. He set a world record of 225 kg in this lift at the 1995 World Muscle Power Classic. He reportedly pressed 267 kg behind the neck in a 1994 bodybuilding exhibition (unofficial), and some sources have claimed higher; Taylor stated in a 2020 interview that 267 kg was his best official lift.

Retirement and later life
A knee injury from the tire flip at the 1997 Europe’s Strongest Man forced Taylor to retire from competition. He later worked in the prison service, including roles in physical education and as a security governor, and he also coached rugby. In retirement he has done commentary and helped organize the UK’s Strongest Man events.

World’s Strongest Man results
- 1991: 3rd place
- 1992: 5th place
- 1993: 1st place (World’s Strongest Man)
- 1994: Qualified
- 1995: 6th place

Personal bests (highlights)
- Snatch: 187 kg
- Clean and jerk: 217.5 kg
- Squat (raw with wraps): 385 kg
- Deadlift (raw): 355 kg
- Behind-the-neck push press: 225 kg (world-record performance in 1995; unofficial 267 kg in 1994)
- Atlas stones, Samson’s barrow carry, keg toss, and weight-over-bar feats also featured among his notable strongman-level lifts

Gary Taylor remains one of Wales’ most recognized strength athletes, noted for his World’s Strongest Man title and his contributions to the sport beyond his competitive years.