Strongman Joe’s journey from lockdown to lifting UK and European titles

Encirc’s Joe Kennedy, an engineer at the Automated Warehouse in Elton, has enjoyed a meteoric rise as an official strongman competitor.

In an already challenging job in the heart of the factory, this is Joe’s amazing story on how an idea in lockdown grew into competing against the world’s best!

Back in 2020, as the world descended into lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, Joe saw an opportunity as he started doing strongman training in his empty gym unit using nothing but motivation and YouTube tutorials.

Fast forward four years, and Joe has tasted success at English, European and World level! Joe has been crowned England’s strongest man at both Under 90kg and Under 80kg weight levels, in recent years, and last December gained a top 20 finish in the World Strongest Man competition in the USA. He also won a European title in August, in York.

“It’s something I have always found an interest in, and I just started in local gym competitions,” said Joe.

So, what does a normal week look like for Joe, who must combine competing all around the world with working in the Automated Warehouse on day and night shifts. “It’s all about ticking off tasks in my mind,” Joe told us. And when Joe isn’t up and around the Logistics area, he uses the state of the art facilities at the work gym in Elton to hone his skills.

Joe added: “During the week I will try and do any sort of cardio and conditioning session before or after a shift in the work gym, and then at least one strongman session a week. The strongman session can be focused on any exercise and is mostly about getting the skill and technique right.”

Joe loves the community feel of the gym, and the easy access for people to start entering strongman competitions as they start on their individual journeys. Joe told us how there are competitions for people at any weight or experience, which is where he started – although it took him a while to get used to the crowds and people watching him!

Joe believes “consistency is key” for anyone wanting to achieve a goal in life, and he certainly has the accolades to back them up.

So, what’s next for Joe? “I need to right a few wrongs at world level,” he said.

After his latest European triumph, Joe toyed with the idea of an extended break but was invited to the World Championships next month in America. Unfortunately, with work commitments, Joe won’t be going to better his last performance but aims to get right back into the thick of it at the U80kg competition in 2025.

“At my age, intense weight and water cuts are not healthy,” Joe explained. However, with a clear talent and passion for the sport, don’t be surprised to see Joe back on the world stage soon.

By now you’re probably thinking what is a treat for an athlete who puts himself through so much dedication and hard work. The answer? A Toby Carvery breakfast – however Joe says these are limited to once a month and then none during training for an event.

Let’s hope this strict regime leaves Joe with an appetite for more success into 2025!