Brian Shaw reveals in harrowing video that he almost lost his leg just months before his final World’s Strongest Man
STRONGMAN legend Brian Shaw has revealed in harrowing video how he almost lost his leg earlier this year.
The four-time World’s Strongest Man winner shared the video on Thursday detailing how an infection had taken him to the hospital.
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Shaw explained how after a leg infection, a home course of antibiotics proved ineffective as symptoms worsened.
Eventually so painful that “I had trouble walking,” the 41-year-old went to see a doctor.
Lying in a hospital bed, Shaw said “the biggest thing is that it didn’t get into my bloodstream,” saying that if it had, things could have gotten “really bad.”
He explained: “Everyone who came and spoke to me said that the result might not be as good then, which means a possible amputation.”
Despite the pain caused by the gruesome-looking infection, Shaw remained upbeat as he focused his energies on staying positive at his final WSM appearance in April this year.
“What it reminded me of the most is 2013,” Shaw said.
“In 2013, I had nerve removal surgery about three months before World’s Strongest Man.
“And with that, not only did I have to have surgery, but I had to teach all my fingers how to move again, how to function with my hand, and train for WSM.
“Well, I’ve been telling myself as I’m sitting here, this leg infection isn’t that bad.”
And while he was in the hospital, Shaw clearly remained committed to his goal of winning this year’s WSM.
He explained how he was “looking through videos” and “thinking about workouts” to keep himself busy.
Alongside this, Shaw also did his best to keep up with his usual diet, saying he’s “trying to get five meals in a day right now.
“The goal is to get out of here without losing a lot of body weight.”
Thankfully, Shaw’s training appears to be back on track as WSM fast approaches.
Speaking to The US Sun in February, he said his “body feels good” and explained that he “builds up in training rather than trying to sort of catch up, it’s like I’m hoping I can just build up.
“I don’t have anything in mind for World’s Strongest Man, so I can focus 100 percent on that.
“And so my motivation is high and I’m like what I’m saying about every single session, I’m thinking about it, ‘Okay, this is my last opportunity for the day to get better.’ And so it enjoys the process.
“But throughout my career I would say you have the end goal and you have the competition and you place how you place and of course the goal is to win.
“And that’s still very much the case for me right now.”
Shaw will now travel to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for one last match against WSM.
The competition will take place from April 19th to 23rd.
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