Leg amputee sets sights on smashing own World Record
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World Guinness Record Holder Shane McLaughlin from Clones with Kevin McGovern from Joe McGovern Transport. Picture: Sean McMahon.Image 2 of 2
Shane McLaughlin from Clones who is the current Guiness World Record holder for pulling an 18,000KG lorry caused great excitement in Ballyconnell on Sunday afternoon when he showcased his remarkable strength and skill, to pull a ine ton McGovern tractor lorry up Main Street. Picture: Sean McMahon.The remarkable Shane McLaughlin from Clones, who had his left leg amputated below the knee and now walks with a spring-loaded prosthetic, is already looking to shatter the Guinness World Record he set only earlier this year.
The local man claimed the World Record for Heaviest vehicle pulled (LA2) in Dublin on the May 18, 2024, when he managed to tug a 18,000kg lorry with special belts attached to his waist and shoulders from the front of the cab.
Watch Shane's effort here:
He has now, as a result, been invited to attend events all across Ireland and the UK where people marvel at Shane’s ability to pull lorries and help raise money for different charities.
Shane also hopes to raise awareness of the fact that amputees like him can achieve great athletic feats despite limb loss.
Having previously competed in the Paralympics in shot-put for six years, Shane came out of retirement to begin training his body for these strongman challenges only in recent years.
“I was watching them on the telly one day and I thought I could do that,” he laughs.
“It started with me pulling one lorry for the craic, then one lorry led to three, and that led to 10.”
Shane was invited to attend the Ballyconnell Festival last weekend, and is set to travel to Donington Park Circuit in Derby, England, in the coming days to compete against other strongmen pulling trucks.
“I'll be the first amputee to go up against these men,” he says of event titled 'Convoy in the Park'.
Later this month he'll also head Scotland to attempt to establish another Guinness World Record at the Knockhill Racecourse in Dunfermline, where Shane is scheduled to try a 25 metre 20,000kg truck pull.
To help support Shane's endeavours, and pay for accommodation and travel expenses only, Shane has set up a Gofundme page here.