Unbroken-The Liam Beville Story
Unbroken tells the story of Liam Beville, although disabled, Liam never entered disabled categories. He competed in able-bodied powerlifting, won world titles, set six simultaneous world records, and became the only powerlifter worldwide to hold a Guinness World Record for the heaviest conventional deadlift without strongman aids. His Guinness World Record is officially recognised under disability criteria, yet he has never once competed in a disability competition.
Ranked number one in the world in able-bodied powerlifting, Liam has often taken the Best Lifter award, defeating competitors half his age and often much heavier. He is Ireland’s greatest deadlifter, pound-for-pound, for 33 years – his 310kg deadlift in able-bodied international competition has remained unbeaten since 1992, and it even equalled the performance of the greatest powerlifter of all time, Ed Coan, at the same bodyweight.
At its heart, Unbroken – The Liam Beville Story is a memoir of resilience, trauma, and triumph. It tells how a young man left broken by a stolen car accident defied medical expectations, rebuilt his life through iron discipline, and rose to achieve what no disabled athlete before him had done: to dominate able-bodied powerlifting at the very highest level.
Unbroken comes at a time when stories of resilience, overcoming adversity, and disability inclusion are particularly resonant. With growing global interest in mental toughness and strength sports, this memoir offers both inspiration and practical insight for readers of all ages.