Recovery and Rise to Strongwoman Competitor
A teenager from Shetland, Lauri Siegal, has qualified for the Strongwoman World Championships in Arizona, USA, just months after recovering from a severe arm injury and a chronic pain condition. Having recently turned 17, Lauri secured her place by finishing in the top 10 of her category despite only beginning the sport late in the previous year.
"Six months before, I wasn't even able to lift a tin of beans,"she said.
In January 2025, Lauri suffered a serious arm fracture that prevented her from participating in any sports activities. As an enthusiastic rugby player, this was a significant setback for her.
"As a keen rugby player, that was something I really struggled with,"she explained.
Her rehabilitation was further complicated by a diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a condition characterized by severe and persistent pain.
"I had a very physically challenging nine months of rehab - it was hard,"Lauri recalled.
During her recovery, her physical activity was extremely limited. Medical professionals advised her that at most, she could only lift a can of food.
"The doctors told me at the most I could lift a can of food,"she said.
Before her injury, Lauri had been inspired by watching strongwoman videos with her mother, Dawn, including clips featuring renowned Scottish strongmen Tom and Luke Stoltman.
"I remember thinking I would love to do that, but after I broke my arm it felt very far away,"she said.
She was medically cleared to resume exercise in September. Within a week, she returned to playing rugby, engaging in tackles and rucks, much to the concern of her parents.
"Literally a week later I was back playing rugby, I was straight back into tackles and rucks – which I think concerned my parents a bit.
"I couldn't stop thinking about trying weightlifting. I wanted to give it a go."
Lauri began informal training, attempting her first deadlifts that same month.
First Competition and Breakthrough
At the end of 2025, the Stoltman brothers visited a gym in Shetland, which Lauri was a member of. During their visit, they announced plans to open a gym in Invergordon and to host a Strongman and Strongwoman competition, inviting participants to join in January.
Lauri was uncertain about participating, given her lack of experience and recent recovery.
"I was really unsure, as I had never done anything like this before and I had only just recovered from my injury,"she said.
"I finally decided to bite the bullet and go for it with only three weeks to prepare."
On the day of the competition, Lauri was the sole female competitor and was just 16 years old.
"I remember saying I hoped I wouldn't be first and then the Stoltman brother told me I was,"she recalled.
Despite initial nerves, Lauri performed impressively, lifting 125kg and setting a personal best.
"The adrenaline was crazy. Everyone was cheering,"she said.
"I had the strongest men in the world calling my name, cheering me on."
The following week, Lauri received results from similar competitions. Initially indifferent, she was surprised to find she ranked in the top 10 of her category, earning qualification for the World Championships.
"I couldn't believe it. I was screaming - it was so surreal,"she said.
Lauri is now the only competitor from Shetland to qualify and is the youngest from Scotland.
Determination and Future Goals
Lauri credits her challenging experience with injury and recovery as a motivating factor behind her success.
"Not being able to do anything put me in a really challenging place mentally and physically, so I think I used that determination,"she said.
She has since been following a training program supported by the Stoltman brothers.
"I'm really proud to be representing Shetland,"she added.
Lauri has set specific goals for the upcoming World Championships, aiming for a 50kg log lift and a 150kg deadlift.
Support from the Stoltman Brothers
The Stoltman brothers have expressed their support and encouragement for Lauri.
Luke Stoltman told Radio Scotland Breakfast:
"It was great to have Lauri down for our first competition in Invergordon.
She put in a huge performance which then has qualified her to compete in the USA so we are wishing her the very best of luck.
She is looking very strong and for such a young girl going out to America I think it's fantastic."
His brother Tom added:
"It was really cool seeing Lauri at her first strongman event. She absolutely smashed it and I cannot wait to see how she gets on in America.
Go smash it for Scotland, Lauri we are all proud of you."
Inspiration for Others
Lauri hopes her journey will inspire other young people to embrace new challenges.
"I want to show people what's possible,"she said.
"I'm just a 17-year-old girl from Shetland, and now I'm going to the World Championships after only a few months."
"With sheer determination – you can do anything."
