A strongman from Bala is celebrating after coming second in a world championship contest in America.

Ben ‘Badger’ Brunning competed in the Official Strongman Games World Championship in Daytona Beach, Florida between Friday, 1 November and Sunday, 3 November.

The title was in his grasp but, unfortunately, victory wasn’t to be for the strongman.

“In the end I came second. I was leading the whole competition until the final event,” the 31-year-old said.

The tournament challenges competitors to a total of six events over three days.

This includes Viking Press and Farmers Walk, both of which involve lifting or moving 150 kilograms of weight.

“Each event is different to the last. If you win it, you really deserve it. It’s about all-round strength,” Ben said.

Luke Richardson claimed the victory and Ben is looking forward to going up against him again.

He said: “We’re very good mates. It’s a friendly rivalry. We’ll be competing against each other soon.”

This is the furthest from home that Ben has competed, and he admitted that the long distance had an effect on him.

He said: “It was my first trip to America. I’ve competed in Hungary but it has mainly been UK-based. I was very tired when on the move but we arrived a few days earlier to settle in. I found it hard to sleep too.”

Ben is very thankful for those who supported his journey financially.

He said: “The GoFundMe page paid for my entrance to the competition and the accommodation. Without that support I couldn’t have afforded it.

“Thank you to everyone who helped, it wouldn’t have been possible without you.”

Over £1,500 was raised to help get Ben to Florida.

Looking to the future, Ben said: “I’ve qualified for World’s Strongest Man. In preparation for this, I want to take my training full-time.

“I am always on the lookout for sponsorship so I can concentrate on training and not be tired from still needing to work full-time.”