Autism group feel Stoltman's WSM win will inspire others to greatness
Tom Stoltman became the first Scot to win World's Strongest Man this week and openly speaks about how autism has effected him
Last updated 23rd Jun 2021
A Highland autism support group feel Tom Stoltman becoming the World's Strongest Man will inspire others with the condition to achieve their goals.
The 27-year-old became the first Scot to claim the title on Sunday following a close contest with Brian Shaw on the Atlas Stones.
He openly speaks about living with autism to raise awareness and help others.
Project Coordinator with Autism Initiatives Highland One Stop Shop, Gill MacLennan, says his triumph is "fantastic".
She said: "It’s great that Tom has spoken out about his autism and talked about his challenges and his successes.
“For any autistic young people and adults to see what he has achieved when he has openly talked about the difficulties he’s had to overcome, he’s obviously been able to use his autistic focus.
"It's just amazing.
"It just goes to show what you can do with determination and a goal, you can work hard and you can achieve.
"It’s fantastic a Highland young man has brought this title home to the Highlands."
Gill also says they're working tirelessly to ensure more awareness on the issue can be raised.
She added: "There’s still a long way to go, but certainly knowledge of autism is growing.
"Seeing people in everyday life and those who wish to talk about that have a more public focus is really good.
"Just treat everybody you meet with kindness and compassion.
"Sometimes it’s very difficult to understand the challenges a hidden disability can show.
"More awareness out into the public is what we strive to do."
Tom, nicknamed 'The Albatross', previously told MFR News that it was "very hard" growing up with the condition and would like to start his own group one day.
He said: "I was behaving in different ways, which I thought was right and I thought the ways my brothers and sisters were behaving was wrong.
"I would go to a shop, maybe throw something off the shelf or something like that, because I thought that was right.
"It was very hard, because I didn't understand why I was like that.
"None my family understood why I was like that until eventually I went and got some tests to get diagnosed.
"Since I've got it I want to be that person that can help people not just in Scotland, but around the UK.
"I want to eventually set up my own charity and my own place where I can help people who are struggling.
"I want to create a hub which would help them get through hurdles.
"I get countless of messages from people saying they're really struggling, 'my mum and dad can't cope what do I do' and get parents asking the same questions.
"If I can change a life by even 2% I'll be happy."