Dave Walsh

In 2014 I thought I had it all! I was a qualified Mountain Leader and was training ahead of taking part in Wales’ Strongest Man. Little did I know my central nervous system had different ideas. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, which saw my strongman life disappear before me, and as for climbing mountains I couldn’t even climb the stairs to tuck my children into bed!

At this point I was at rock bottom, and I was struggling mentally. Being ex-military, I wasn't too keen on talking to anyone about what was going on inside my head. This was the toxic masculinity in me (don't get me started on toxic masculinity!).

It took a lot, but I finally opened up and learned to accept my disability. I found that a mix of humour, openness, adaptability and willingness to learn from others, made the mindset I needed to overcome any hurdle that came my way, accessible or otherwise!

I wasn't ready to leave strongman behind and so I decided to join the disabled category. In 2020 & 2021 I became the second Strongest Disabled Man in the World, and in 2021 I became Britain's Strongest Disabled Man.

I also host a podcast to raise awareness for disabled sports and disabled athletes so they can showcase their skills, promote their inspiring stories and share how they overcame life changing events which would have broken them, if their mindsets were going in the wrong direction! This podcast has been aired live on BBC Radio.

What value can I bring to your team/corporation?

I am a passionate speaker who thrives on inspiring teams into a new way of viewing life.
I have a unique way of engaging with my audiences, delivering positive and engaging speeches.
Nothing is 'out of bounds'! I challenge you to ask the questions you actually want to ask! If you think you're going to offend me, you're not! If you're thinking it, then I've likely already thought it myself, and probably dealt with it.

During the most recent World’s Strongest Disabled Man in Iceland, I told Magnus Ver Magnusson I was going to lift 600kg/1322lbs in the seated deadlift. He asked me if I was crazy because the weight had never been lifted before! I replied "I've had my life taken away from me once before, I'm not going to waste a minute of this life!”