Rebecca Roberts has been one of the greatest Strongwomen in the world for quite a while now, which makes her one of the most exciting athletes to watch. However, while many hoped to see her battle for the title at the 2026 Arnold Strongwoman Classic on March 5-8 in Columbus, Ohio, Rebecca recently turned to Instagram and announced her withdrawal from the competition.
Rebecca Roberts has had a lot take place in her personal life in recent times, which has made it exceptionally difficult for her to train and perform to the best of her abilities. So, she attempted to record a video to tell her story but was unable to hold back her emotions in front of the camera and ultimately opted for a written statement.
Roberts revealed that she is awaiting a court session for a serious crime that she was a victim of last year. Although she did not specify exactly what it was about, there is no doubt that it is taking a big toll on her, both physically and mentally. On the other hand, she is also forced to find another home to rent, as her current one is being sold.
On the other hand, Rebecca Roberts also talked about the mental aspect of everything she is going through, revealing that it feels defeating to withdraw from the 2026 Arnold Strongman Classic. However, she is aware that mental health takes priority over competing.
“This week I’m in court regarding a serious crime I was a victim of from last year. At the same time, the house I’m renting is being sold, and I still haven’t found somewhere to live. I’m packing up and leaving the home Paul and I shared, and to top up that off, I’m still coming back from injury.
As elite athletes, we’re expected to perform at the highest level, always. But we’re human too. We have to deal with human things (trauma, loss, stress, exhaustion) and trying to manage all of that while competing at the top is incredibly hard.
I’ve tried to push through it. That’s who I am. I fight. I show up. I carry weight. But right now, the weight isn’t just on a barbell.
Physically and mentally, I’m not where I need to be to step onto that platform and perform at the standard I expect of myself. I refuse to show up half-ready, for me or for the competition.”
Check out Rebecca Roberts’ full statement here:
Related: Strongwoman Rebecca Roberts Overhead Presses a Man and Rolls Up a Frying Pan
Rebecca Roberts has achieved a lot in her career already, having won three World’s Strongest Woman competitions in 2021, 2023, and 2024. She has also won the OSG European Championships in 2020 and 2024. Apart from that, Roberts boasts multiple UK’s Strongest Woman, Wales’ Strongest Woman, and Britain’s Strongest Woman titles.
It is currently unclear if someone will replace Rebecca Roberts at the 2026 Arnold Strongwoman Classic or if her spot will remain vacant. Although Rebecca’s absence will definitely be visible, the lineup still features ten incredible Strongwoman athletes. That includes the defending champion Inez Carrasquillo, reigning WSW Andrea Thompson, deadlift world record holder Lucy Underdown, and others. So, the 2026 Arnold Strongwoman Classic still promises to be one of the biggest competitions of the year.
2026 Arnold Strongwoman Classic Lineups
- Katie Blunden
- Inez Carrasquillo
- Angelica Jardine
- Olga Liashchuk
- Hannah Linzay
- Jennifer Lyle
- Jackie Osczevski
- Melissa Peacock
- Andrea Thompson
- Lucy Underdown
Rebecca Roberts’ decision to prioritize personal issues at this point in time is certainly the right step to take, as withdrawing from the 2026 Arnold Strongwoman Classic gives her one less thing to worry about. Moreover, there is no doubt that Rebecca will come back even stronger in the future and that she will be back in contention for all of Strongwoman’s most coveted titles.
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