A REDDITCH strongman is taking the first steps on a path he hopes will lead him to the Britain's Strongest Man title.
Simon Fitzpatrick, from Greenlands, competes in his second Midshires Strongest man contest at the Three Counties Show in Malvern on Saturday.
The 22-year-old bricklayer finished 12th in last year's muscle fest - the highest placed novice.
And after winning the Corinthians' Strongest Man title at the first attempt he is confident of a better showing despite the fact no novices are contesting this year's title.
Former Redditch Rugby Club star Fitzpatrick is no longer rated as a novice after competing in a Russell Bradley show.
His personal trainer Bradley is a three times Britain's Strongest Man, World's Strongest Man competitor and holder of numerous Guinness records.
Fitzpatrick, who also played for Worcester Rugby Club is a relative newcomer to the sport and is wary of a conflict of interest.
To qualify, Fitzpatrick would have to come through the Midlands' Strongest Man event at Wolverhampton and England's Strongest Man at Durham and the ultimate prize is the World event.
But the Wolverhampton event is by invitation only and the Redditch hopeful has to garner a reputation, starting at Malvern on Saturday.
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