A local weightlifter has achieved his dream of qualifying for the World’s Strongest Disabled Man event.

Twenty-six-year-old, Lloyd Davies from Manorbier returned to the UK after finishing second in the Arnold Amateur Strongman Classic.

Mr. Davies lost his sight six years ago resulting in him having to give up playing rugby as well as his job as a labourer.

The championship took place on March 6 in Columbus, Ohio, in America.

The Arnold is a sport venture set up by Arnold Schwarzenegger and has grown over the years, with Arnold competitions also in South America, Africa and Australia.

As of next year, there is going to be an Arnold UK for the very first time, making it one of the biggest weightlifting competitions in the world.

On his return to Pembrokeshire, Mr. Davies spoke to the Observer to give his thoughts.

“It was an incredible experience. Just before we were due to fly out we found that the expo had been cancelled so that meant a lot of the spectators weren’t going to be there.

“I felt really grateful for being able to compete at the Arnold, it’s a big honour to compete at that level.

“Finishing in the top two would qualify me for the World’s Strongest Disabled Man in August and that’s been the long term goal since I started which is to qualify for worlds.

“So to achieve that now is a quite a big deal,” he continued.

As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, the number of people who were due to watch the event was much lower than anticipated.

However, Mr. Davies dismissed suggestions that having a smaller crowd meant there was less pressure.

“There’s an element of that, I’ve got my first Arnolds out of the way so next year when there is a crowd, there isn’t going to be much pressure as it’s going to be my first event there, but it wasn’t as daunting I suppose.

“But I like the pressure of competing in front of people.”

Mr. Davies added that travelling was a bit indifferent because of the coronavirus and the airports were a bit quieter than usual.

But he hoped that events would be going ahead later on in the year as things get under control.

Mr. Davies paid tribute to a number of people and thanked them for their support.

He said: “I’d to thank Arnar Mar-Johannsson who is the founder of Disabled Strongman for the invite and the opportunity to compete at the Arnolds, it’s a huge privilege to compete at the Arnolds, but it wouldn’t be possible without Arnar founding Disabled Strongman.

“I’ve got to say a big thank you to all my sponsors, Gofer at Tenby Tourers has been incredible with sorting out sponsorship, and they drove me to the airport to meet Loui which I’m grateful for,” he added.

“I’ve had local businesses get behind me with sponsorship, but the biggest person I’ve got to thank is Loui.

“He’s been there since the strongman journey and none of it would be possible without what he does for me, all the travelling, all the training.

Just everything that we’ve done together and achieved together has been the two of us. “

Mr. Davies will be next in action in May when he competes in the Britain’s Strongest Disabled Man.

You can follow his progress on his Instagram page @blindlloydstrongman