Over the last three and a half years, I’ve been fortunate to win 15 major international strongman shows—seven of which were one of the four biggest titles in our sport. But the journey hasn’t come without its challenges. Recently, I’ve faced some serious setbacks with my body. My back had four herniated discs, my knee wouldn’t fully extend, and I couldn’t bend it past 90 degrees.
Knowing I wanted to keep competing at the highest level, I made the decision to travel to Panama to visit the Regeneration Clinic for stem cell treatments. The timing was intense—I got the injections just 13 weeks out from the Rogue Invitational, and the standard recovery timeline is 12 weeks just to get back to full function, let alone peak performance. It was a risk, but one I was willing to take.
Back in Training
Now, about three and a half weeks post-treatment, I’m feeling stronger than I expected. The recovery is moving quickly, and I’m finally able to get back to serious training. For anyone coming back from a back injury, starting your deadlifts a bit higher and gradually working your way down can make a huge difference. That’s exactly what I’ve been doing, and it’s helping me manage the pressure on my back while still building strength.
I’ve been working on heavy deadlifts, building up to around 350 kilos for triples—though I’m still listening to my body and adjusting as needed. Grip strength has been a focus too, because even small details like that matter when you’re aiming to perform at the highest level.
Another key part of my prep has been using Ketone IQ. I take ketones before and during workouts to fuel my brain, avoid neural fatigue, and stay sharp during longer, heavier sessions. It’s made a big difference in keeping me mentally focused and alert, which is just as important as physical recovery.
Building Work Capacity
Strength is one thing, but repeated strength and work capacity are another. Over the last six months, my repeated strength had dropped, so I’ve been incorporating more high-intensity conditioning into my sessions. Walks with heavy loads, high-rep carries, and timed events all help me get back to the level where I feel fit and ready to compete. Recovery is still uncomfortable at times, but the discomfort is manageable and temporary.
Rogue Invitational 2025
Going into a contest, I only want to compete if I feel capable of winning. Recovery and injuries naturally cast some doubt on that. But over the past week, I’ve seen real progress. Pain-free training, event-specific work, and the ability to perform at or above starting benchmarks have convinced me I’m ready.
I’m ready to come back, ready to win, and ready to three-peat at the Rogue Invitational. This is the start of a series I’m calling Road to Rogue, with weekly updates on my training, recovery, and preparation. Follow along, subscribe, and wish me luck—it wasn’t a long absence, but the comeback is going to be worth it.