“I Feel Like Complete Garbage”: Despite Spending 8 Days in the Hospital, Strongman Champion Brian Shaw Returned Straight to the Gym

Four-time World’s Strongest Man winner Brian Shaw is going all out in a bid to win his fifth and final WSM title. Earlier this year, the former champion announced that the 2023 World’s Strongest Man contest will be his last competition on the world stage. However, unforeseen circumstances dealt a blow to his preparations. Recently, Shaw revealed that he contracted a leg infection in January. While he initially thought it would only take “some IV antibiotics,” he spent eight days in the hospital, and nearly lost his leg.

Brian Shaw revealed the details about his ordeal in his Road to WSM video series. Shaw uploaded Part 2 on April 14 and revealed how he felt after spending six days in the hospital. Surprisingly, in the latter half of the video, Shaw showed himself back in the gym.

Brian Shaw didn’t realize how grave the situation had become

Initially, the four-time champion took antibiotics, hoping to “knock it (the infection) off.” However, things only got worse. So, the strongman checked himself into the hospital and thought the doctors would easily get rid of the infection. Instead, he battled the leg infection for over a week as it spread through the lower part of his left leg.

However, Shaw showed his resilience, making a quick recovery. After eight days, the former champion showed “enough progress,” for the doctors to discharge him. However, Shaw went straight to the gym instead of going back home to rest. “So we are officially back in the gym. I got released from the hospital about two hours ago,” he said in the video.

“I feel like complete garbage,” said Shaw while filming the video from his gym. The 41-year-old revealed that the doctors had debated leaving the IV in his arm for his final session. However, that “would have meant no lifting for me, which I was completely against,” said Shaw. While he didn’t want to stay away from training any longer, it took a life-threatening infection for Brian Shaw to take a break.

The longest rest period of his career

At 41, Brian Shaw is on the last legs of his competitive strongman career. However, he is determined to give it his all to win the coveted 5th title. In the video, Shaw made a shocking announcement that proved his extraordinary work ethic. “I think I’ve gotten two training days in the last two weeks,” said the four-time WSM winner.

READ MORE | “I’m Devastated to Hear”: Strongman Brian Shaw’s Saddening Announcement Leaves Strength Sports Community Teary-Eyed

He said those two weeks were “more of a break than I can literally remember in my entire lifting career.” To put things into perspective, Shaw began competing in Strongman competitions in 2005 and has competed against the best in the world since finishing in third place at the WSM for the first time in 2009.

How did you react to Brian Shaw going straight to the gym within two hours of getting discharged? Write your thoughts in the comments.

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