A strongman from Bala is the best in Europe, after taking home the title of European Champion at the Official Strongman Games.

Ben ‘Badger’ Brunning, a three-times winner of the Wales Strongest Man competition, was victorious at the European Championships which took place in Rotherham on Sunday.

Standing at 6ft 1 and weighing in excess of 300lbs, Ben’s third Welsh win in March of this year meant he qualified to compete in this year’s European Championships.

Speaking before the games, 31-year-old Ben said he had a good chance of winning as he had “been training hard and eating well”.

“I will be up against some strong competitors but have a good chance of winning,” he said.

And Ben was right.

Speaking to the Cambrian News on Monday, he said: “I managed to take the win!

“The first event was deadlift 320kg for reps and I came second with eight.

“The next event was log, 140kg for reps and I won with eight.

“The third event was 400kg yoke for 20m. I won with the quickest time.

“The fourth event was 25kg Thor hammer front hold. I came second with 49.5 seconds.”

Ben went into the last event – sand bags 2x120kg 20m load over a 4ft platform – with a six-point lead.

“I won this event, securing my victory,” said Ben.

The victory gives Ben qualification for the Official Strongman Games World Championships.

“To win the European championships is a huge achievement I’m greatly proud of.

“I’m so happy as I put so much effort into my training and without the support from my family, friends and sponsors I wouldn’t be able to do it.

“Up next, I want to head out to the World Championships in November, and in January I will be competing at Britain’s Strongest Man to try and get my World’s Strongest Man invitation.­”

The Official Strongman Games World Championships will take place in Florida from 1 to 3 November.

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