Karl Gillingham competed professionally in strongman from 1998 to 2012. He finished 11th at the 2002 World’s Strongest Man and 12th at the 2003 World’s Strongest Man. Gillingham deadlifted 400 kg at the 2006 IFSA World Championships and won the 2004 Strongman Super Series event in Venice Beach. He was particularly known for his strength in the axle press, lifting 181 kg at the 2007 Strongman Super Series in Mohegan Sun.