Four-time World’s Strongest Man Brian Shaw has opened up about a gruelling private health struggle, revealing that the last few years have been a “battle” out of the public eye.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Shaw told fans: “I got the amazing opportunity to travel to Dubai to get treated by @dr.akhan at @eterna.health in their Dubai office.
“Many of you know I had a terrible cellulitis infection in my leg back in 2023 and have suffered from the effects of that infection since then trying more treatments than I can count. I also spent my 10th anniversary this summer on the 4th of July back in the hospital with another cellulitis infection which was tough to deal with.
“My good friend @eddycoan said he thought Dr. Khan could possibly help me and made the introduction so I want to thank him for that.”
He added that he remains “very hopeful and optimistic” about the new stem cell treatment, encouraging others facing similar battles to “stay positive.”
Per the Mayo Clinic, cellulitis “is a spreading skin infection, most commonly of the lower leg. It’s caused by bacteria entering through a break in the skin. The affected skin is swollen, painful and warm to the touch. The infection can cause a fever and become very serious, involving deeper tissues.”
Shaw’s wife, Keri, also spoke publicly about her husband’s ordeal for the first time, sharing an emotional message on Instagram: “EVERYONE YOU MEET IS FIGHTING A BATTLE YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT. BE KIND. ALWAYS.
“Brian has been privately dealing with some serious issues in his leg for over 2 and a half years since his initial case of cellulitis. We spent our 10 year anniversary this past summer in the hospital as he fought another case of it. It’s been heartbreaking watching him battle this every single day and the negative impacts it’s had on our lives in ways people wouldn’t understand. Reading hurtful comments when people would sometimes notice these things in videos was frustrating but something he never wanted to address publicly.”
Keri praised her husband’s strength and vulnerability in sharing his journey: “Today, he shared a little more on his YouTube channel SHAWSTRENGTH as well as a new treatment he is trying because, quite frankly, he’s desperate. I’m so proud of him and thankful to be his wife – now of 10+ years! For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health.”
On his YouTube channel, Shaw gave fans a more detailed insight into what has been a “quiet battle” since 2023.
“Back in 2023, I had an extremely bad leg infection where they were talking about potentially cutting my leg off,” the 43-year-old told viewers. “I was able to get through that. I was able to come back and compete at World’s Strongest Man and then Strongest Man on Earth, which was my final competition. And the after effects from that infection have not gone away. So, the last couple years have been, I’m going to say, a battle.”
Shaw described trying “every single treatment” imaginable, from diets and massage-based therapies to invasive, painful procedures — none of which provided relief.
The infection even forced him into hospital again during his 10-year wedding anniversary this past July. “Over the 4th of July, which was my 10-year anniversary, I was back in the hospital, leg infected again, which made me even more concerned,” he explained.
Encouraged by legendary powerlifter Ed Coan, Shaw travelled to Dubai to undergo stem cell treatment with Dr. Khan. After initial tests, the focus shifted to reducing swelling and inflammation in his leg.
“We got the injections done into my leg and I had a great conversation with Dr. Khan about everything. He seems super optimistic about treatment and the effects that this is going to have for me, which makes me even more excited,” Shaw said.
He added: “The trip over to Dubai, I’ll tell you what, if this treatment helps, which it is going to, it is 100% worth it. So, I can’t say enough good things about what they’ve done for me, helping me out, and the future looks very very good.”
For Shaw, the battle has been as much mental as physical. Despite competing through pain in his final strongman appearances, he admitted that the leg issue left him deeply concerned. Now, with renewed hope, he wants his story to help others.
“This has been a tough journey the last couple years, you know, after that initial infection in my leg… now getting to this point, I’m very optimistic about where things can go. I hope that I get help, but I also hope that this video can help out other people out there that are maybe going through the same thing,” he said.
From dominating the Atlas Stones to quietly enduring one of the toughest fights of his life, Shaw continues to show resilience. We wish him all the best on his continued treatment.
Featured image credit: YouTube/Facebook/ShawStrength/MrsKeriShaw (screenshot)
