Pound for pound, Sanderstead's Robert Rodney says he is the strongest man in the world.

Forget about 'World's Strongest Man' Eddie Hall, don't worry about Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (aka The Mountain from Game of Thrones), this 53-year-old bests them all.

"Looking at it, I have a natural talent," Mr Rodney said.

"Just genetically gifted really."

Just two years after taking up the sport, the man from Ashdown Gardens has already been named the world powerlifting champion and World M2 Best Lifter 2017, to go along with the World M2 deadlift record (300.5kg) which he currently holds.

But for this 53-year-old, he is just as comfortable on a stage as he is in the gym.

Five years ago he started competing in bodybuilding competitions, and it is fair to say he has blown away the competition ever since.

"I was in the gym in 2011 and a friend of mine said to me 'you train hard, and look good', so that's really where it all began.

"I had a few professional pictures taken and then my phone started ringing off the hook.

"After that I thought why not try bodybuilding."

Since then he has been named British natural bodybuilding champion six times and the international natural bodybuilding champion in 2014.

It's not often you find someone able to take on one gruelling sport, let alone two.

But Mr Rodney puts it all down to hard work, and the support from people close to him.

"I just want to say a big thank you to Noel, Andy and all at Kings Gym in Purley," Mr Rodney said.

"Also to Martin and everyone at Bethnal Green Weight Lifting Club and thanks to Fivos of Showshoots for the pictures.

"A special thanks goes to my partner Jane and my brother Andrew for all their support in the background."