Meet the University’s Strongest Students

A microbiology and biochemistry postgrad has been crowned Sheffield’s strongest student.

Harry Slingsby, 22, proved his strongman credentials across six events held at the Titanium Strength Gym. He was one of only two men to finish the third challenge, which involved carrying a 200kg frame across a 30 metre distance.

Harry said he was “very proud” to have won, and that all of his training had “definitely paid off”.

He told The Tab: “In the weeks beforehand, I lifted greater weights than there would be in the competition, in order to be fully prepared and confident in my abilities.

“It meant I was prepared both physically and mentally, as I knew I could do all the events.”

One of the gruelling tests saw competitors deadlifting 140kg as many times as possible in 60 seconds. In this, Harry placed second, beaten only by American Footballer Charles Osei who managed 19 reps in the minute.

Politics fresher Jenny Tong also completed 19 reps in the women’s event, lifting 80kg. Organisers said she “dominated” the overall competition for the girls, amassing five wins in the six events.

The 19-year-old said: “It felt incredibly empowering to have won.

“I’m 5ft 2ins, but what I lack in height I make up for in strength. My friends call me the Pocket Rocket!”

Both winners said that their successes have inspired them to participate in future competitions.

Jenny added: “I only started in October last year but I’ve found a passion for it and have by far exceeded my own expectations of myself.

“I’m now hoping to compete in the British University and College Weightlifting Championships.”

Similarly Harry, who at 12 stone was one of the lightest male competitors, said: “I usually compete in powerlifting, but this has given me a taste for strongman. I’m now going to go in for England’s Strongest Man (under 80kg body weight) in July.”