NSW’s Bradman Houston officially declared Australia’s strongest man
A combination of ‘whatever Mum’s cooking’ and Coco Pops may not sound like the makings of Australia’s reigning strongman but was being named for cricket’s GOAT inspiring? Let’s find out
READING LEVEL: GREEN
Australia’s strongest man is 23, eats Coco Pops or “whatever Mum’s cooking” for dinner, lifts more than double his body weight and aspires to be the nation’s best coach.
Sydney man Bradman Houston’s imposing 196cm, 150kg frame propelled him to the title of the nation’s strongest man, defeating 11 other competitors during Australia’s Strongest Man and Woman competition in May, when he secured victory in a tie-breaker.
The title fulfilled a goal Mr Houston set when he was 18 and he now boasts a deadlift* of 380kg and squat 340kg.
“I’m very lucky to have the body I have, whereas some people might not be able to walk or not be able to lift 5kg,’’ he said at Strength Workshop in Minchinbury, where he’s a coach and personal trainer.
“So I thought if I have this body and I’m able to train, I may as well push it to the absolute limit and that’s how I ended up becoming the strongest man.
“Over the five years of my journey, I trained four days a week every single week, and did not miss one session.’’
He consumes 6000 calories* over five carbohydrate-* and protein*-rich meals a day, starting with an egg and avocado bagel with a protein shake for breakfast, 350g of beef mince with two cups of rice, mushrooms and capsicums for lunch, some more pre-training bagels with jam, meat and vegetables for dinner “or whatever Mum’s cooking”, while dessert comprises Coco Pops mixed with protein powder, and milk chocolate.
His cricket-loving father John named his son after legendary Australian batsman Sir Donald Bradman* but the sport never appealed to the weightlifter in the family.
“I’m a disappointment to my dad,’’ Houston said. “I played one season when I was younger and I hated it.’’
His height came in handy as a St George Basketball Association representative but when Covid disrupted that sport, he took up weights and found his passion.
Between September 11 and 13, fitness fans can see Houston aim to lift 400kg and press 190kg at the AusFitness Expo at the Sydney International Convention Centre.
Alongside three other athletes, he’ll be in a cage doing the heavy lifting while spectators bang on the enclosure*.
“It’s like an overdramatic gym session,’’ Mr Houston said.
Like Eddie Williams, who was crowned Australia’s strongest man in 2017 and 2018, he is working towards claiming back-to-back titles.
He also wants to be the nation’s best coach and guide others in his chosen sport.
“Focus on finding a good coach and good people to train with, and drop your ego*,’’ he said.
“It doesn’t matter who’s the strongest tomorrow, it matters who’s the strongest in a couple of years. Play the long game, not the short game.’’
VIDEO
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GLOSSARY
- deadlift: to lift a heavy weight from the floor so that it is at the level of your hips and your back and legs are straight
- calories: units of energy, often used as a measurement of the amount of energy that food provides, like there are about 50 calories in an apple
- carbohydrate: one of several substances, such as sugar or starch, that provide the body with energy, or foods containing these substances such as bread, potatoes, pasta and rice
- protein: one of the many substances found in food such as meat, cheese, fish, or eggs, that is necessary for the body to grow and be strong
- Sir Donald Bradman: “The Don” (1908-2001) is widely acknowledged to be the greatest batsman in history, with a legendary batting average of 99.94, arguably making him one of the greatest sportsmen of all time
- enclosure: an area surrounded by a fence or wall
- ego: the idea or opinion that you have of yourself, especially the level of your ability or your importance as a person compared to other people
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QUICK QUIZ
- How tall is Mr Houston and how much does he weigh?
- As Australia’s reigning strongman, what weight can Mr Houston deadlift and squat?
- Which legendary Australian sporting hero is Mr Houston named for?
- How many calories does Mr Houston consume a day?
- Fitness fans in Sydney will be able to see Mr Houston in action lifting and benching how many kilos?
LISTEN TO THIS STORY
CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
1. Design a shirt
Design a special supporter shirt and poster for Bradman’s fans at the AusFitness Expo. Your shirt should include a logo and design that is inspired by Bradman’s achievements and message.
Time: allow at least 45 minutes for this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Health and Physical Education, Design and Technologies
2. Extension
What makes someone a great coach? List the skills and personal qualities that you think makes a person a really great coach. Be inspired by what Bradman has to say about coaching in the story.
Time: allow at least 20 minutes for this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Health and Physical Education
VCOP ACTIVITY
I’ve always wanted to know
If you had the opportunity to talk to Mr Houston or one of the other athletes at the AusFitness Expo and ask them five questions, what would you ask?
Come up with five different questions. Challenge yourself to use different question stems (question openers words) to write your questions, and don’t forget to end with a question mark.