PEOPLE describe you as ‘tough’ when you’re a strongman. They use words like ‘unbelievable’ when they see you pulling a train or carrying an atlas ball. But then, in real life, you see what these words really mean. I tell you now, nothing I have ever done as a strongman could ever for one minute match how tough and unbelievable you have to be to be pregnant.
It’s no secret that my wife Alexandra and I are expecting a baby. It’s the most incredible news and the kindness and enthusiasm of everyone we know has been incredible.
From the start I have watched in awe as Alexandra has taken on a task that is such mind-blowingly hard work – a change to mind and body that realistically no man can ever truly comprehend.
I did do a little bit to try, however, when I slipped on a nine-month pregnancy suit to see how the situation felt in terms of the addition of bulk and weight.
Don’t forget, this is something that women carry for months, while trying to carry on with normal daily life. So yes, while it can look funny for a bloke to be dressed in this stuff, equally there is a serious element going on underneath.
I shoved the suit on before undertaking such everyday tasks as the school run and shopping. I’ll tell you right now, hats off to pregnant women everywhere, because none of this is easy. I felt uncomfortable, I felt hot, and I felt irritated. And this is just for a few hours. Not day after day after day.
So yes, I might have been the World’s Strongest Man, I might have won title after title, but I’ll tell you this, when it comes to strength, Alexandra beats me hands down.
She is a hero – and so is every woman like her.