{"id":24370,"date":"2026-07-08T17:07:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T17:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=24370"},"modified":"2026-07-08T17:07:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T17:07:00","slug":"powerlifter-who-fought-back-from-disability-pens-inspiring-memoir-about-record-journey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=24370","title":{"rendered":"Powerlifter who fought back from disability pens inspiring memoir about record journey"},"content":{"rendered":"


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An inspirational record holder who fought back from becoming permanently disabled to a champion powerlifter is telling his story in a moving autobiography.<\/p>\n

Last year, we told you the inspiring story of Liam Beville (Ireland)<\/a>, who holds the record for heaviest deadlift (male) (MP4)<\/strong>, and now he\u2019s telling it in his own words.<\/p>\n

\"Liam<\/p>\n

The 61-year-old has penned Unbroken \u2013 The Liam Beville Story<\/em>, which tracks his journey from having to learn how to walk again after being mowed down by a stolen car when he was 18 to becoming a record-breaking powerlifter who competes exclusively in able-bodied sport.<\/p>\n

He hopes to release the book\u00a0later this year.<\/p>\n

\"Liam<\/p>\n

Liam has broken numerous records across four different weight divisions in powerlifting and set his Guinness World Records title in 2022 when he lifted 285 kg (628.31 lb) – the weight of an adult male alligator, a vending machine or a baby grand piano – at the IrishPO National Single Lift Championships in Limerick, Ireland.<\/p>\n

The MP4 in Liam\u2019s record title refers to our\u00a0impairment classifications<\/a>\u00a0which make record breaking accessible to everyone and refers to the inability to generate full force for movement through the arms and legs.<\/p>\n

\"Liam<\/p>\n

Being run over left Liam needing a hip replacement, a knee replacement and having to learn how to walk again. His friends even pushed him round in a pram while he was healing.<\/p>\n

He previously told us: \u201cBoth of my legs were catastrophically injured – open compound fractures, massive trauma, and long-term structural damage.<\/p>\n

\"Liam<\/p>\n

\u201cI spent a year in plaster casts, six months in a wheelchair, and underwent multiple surgeries. I had to relearn how to walk. My rehabilitation started with me entering a gym while still on crutches, and from there, I rebuilt myself physically and mentally, eventually becoming a national champion in powerlifting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read about more record-breaking feats of strength in our Sports and Fitness section.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Liam, who now works as a motivational speaker, started weight training after the accident to help with his rehabilitation and found a passion for it.<\/p>\n

\"Liam<\/p>\n

This year marks 40 years since Liam first competed in a mainstream powerlifting competition and he\u2019s ranked No.1 globally in both his age and weight categories.<\/p>\n

His inspirational story also caught the attention of Michael D. Higgins, the former President of Ireland, who praised his strength and bravery in a letter.<\/p>\n

In his book, Liam writes about his journey competing against able-bodied athletes.<\/p>\n

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He told us: \u201cI never competed in a disabled category because I didn\u2019t want my achievements to be diminished or doubted. You can be broken – but not defeated. That\u2019s why my favourite quote has always been, \u2018It is what it is.\u2019\u00a0Accept what you can\u2019t change, and fight like hell for what you can.\u201d<\/p>\n

Find out more on Liam\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n