Joel Hicks

2009 both started and finished with the Mad Maldon Mud Race in Essex, in which I first competed as the Pink Panther and then as an Oompa Lumpa.

After dipping my toe in the cold waters of Tooting Bec Lido once again, I competed in the annual Tough Guy, this time as Sponge Bob Square Pants, meeting Matt Dawson in the process who was covering the event for TV.

Following an abseil, and a run out at the World Coal Carrying Championships, I then found myself strapped to the wing of a plane to experience the thrill of Wing Walking! No sooner as my feet had touched the floor, I attempted to run a half marathon blind folded, before competing in the Tetbury Woolsack Race, the World Custard Pie Championships and then the Wrekin Barrel Race.

During the summer I travelled to the Isle of Mann to compete in the World Tin Bath Championships. Despite the fact that my bath sunk before I even made it to the start line, a thoroughly enjoyable day was had and I returned to familiar pastures to once again serve as the target in the World Egg Throwing Championships.

A trip to Wales allowed me to compete in my second naked running race, aptly named Bare if you Dare, in which I finished 4th, before trying my luck at naked rock climbing and a compulsory skinny dip!

The Nettle Warrior was followed by a return to Worthing for the Birdman competition, during which I featured heavily in the Channel 5 program Brighton Beach Patrol which was covering the event.

Undoubtedly however, the highlight of the year was winning the World Gravy Wrestling Championships in Lancashire. From this victory I was asked to appear on the Paul O'Grady Show, and then subsequently Britain’s Got Talent. The feature on the Paul O'Grady Show was voted best segment of the entire 6 series' and was also shown on the British TV Awards!

After experiencing Zorbing, and competing in the Great North Run as well as the charity Screwball Tough Guy, I returned to Birmingham for the Pantomime Horse Grand National, this time riding the frisky horse "Cupid's Stunt", before ending the year with a trip to London for the Great Christmas Pudding Race in Covent Garden and a return to Maldon.