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Gateshead strongman struck by sickness on eve of championship

Sep 18 2011 by Joanne Butcher, Sunday Sun

Gateshead strongman Michael Donaldson

MAN mountain Michael Donaldson was on track to be crowned Britain’s strongest man – before being struck down by a stomach bug.

The weightlifter was first named the North’s strongest man a few weeks ago, and had his eyes on the top prize.

But the burly 6ft 4ins, 24-stone giant finally met his match when he was hit with a poorly tummy.

However, Michael proved his will was as strong as his muscles and threw himself into the national championships all the same – and claimed a respectable sixth place.

His wife Kim, who accompanied 34-year-old Michael to the contest in Billingham, Teesside, said: “He was very ill in the morning, but he was determined to go. He was vomiting and shaking.

“It did leave him weaker than usual. He wasn’t himself at all. He was very frustrated – he knew he was able to beat the guys who won.

“I think he’d have had a good chance of being in the top three if it wasn’t for his illness.”

The contest included a truck-pull, a 130kg log lift, a medley of pain, a van deadlift and a barrel load.

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