A pair of University of Bradford graduates have proven that love and strength truly go hand in hand, celebrating their wedding just weeks before stepping into the spotlight at England’s Strongest Man.
George Smith, 27, who studied BSc (Hons) Computer Science for Cyber Security, is preparing to take on some of the country’s biggest names in the televised strongman competition at Doncaster Dome this Sunday, 9 November.
But before getting back into training, George exchanged vows with fellow alumna Kathryn Bradney, 26, who is also a strongwoman competitor. The couple tied the knot on 10 October, before jetting off to Japan and South Korea for their honeymoon, where George even took part in an impromptu sumo wrestling match after his best man set up a friendly challenge.
“It’s been an amazing few weeks,” said George. “The wedding was fantastic, and now I’m training hard again for my upcoming competitions. We don’t do things by halves, it’s been a whirlwind, but we’ve cracked on and had so much support from friends and family.”
Standing at 6ft 2in and weighing 145kg, George will also represent England at the Extinct Games Invitational in Singapore later this month.
The couple recently moved from Bradford to Nottinghamshire, where they continue to train together several evenings a week.
George and Kathryn met while studying at the University of Bradford and were both members of the Archery Club. They began weight training at the university’s on-campus facility, Unique Fitness, where George first discovered his passion for strongman competitions.
“I used to watch World’s Strongest Man as a kid,” he said. “During lockdown I started rewatching old competitions online and decided to give it a go. I entered my first event in 2023 and came fourth, and I’ve been hooked ever since.”
Image: University of Bradford
Since then, George has earned several titles, including King of the North, Leeds’ Strongest, and UK’s Strongest Novice. Kathryn, who studied BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, has carved her own path in the sport, finishing first in the Implexus First Timers event and second in Mansfield’s Strongest Woman 2025.
Both say they train not for trophies but for the community and shared motivation it brings.
“It’s a hobby that’s become a lifestyle,” George said. “We’ve met some incredible people through the gym, two of them were even groomsmen at the wedding. My goal was to reach England’s Strongest Man, and now that I’m here, I just want to keep pushing forward.”
Their story highlights the University of Bradford’s focus on wellbeing, community, and lifelong learning, showing how student experiences can shape both professional and personal journeys long after graduation.
