POWER LIFTING: Record Breaker

The Sam’s Gym competitor, a member of the GPC Northern Ireland squad, set the 317.5 kg record bench at the national qualifier, held at the Joey Dunlop Centre, Ballymoney, for the World Championships, which is being staged in Limerick later this year.

The lift is also offically recorded as the fourth biggest ever in the United Kingdom, regardless of weight class.

Kyle’s other lifts on the day were a 370kg squat and 300kg deadlift to finish on a 987.5kg total, falling just short of the coveted four figure mark. He was competing in the 110kg Senior Open class.

The other local lifters competing out of Sam’s Gym also had great outings with many personal bests posted.

Competing in the masters 50-55 110kg class were Alan Tosh and Gerry McAfee.

Alan had new personal bests of 280kg on squat, 170kg on bench and a 280kg-deadlift, for a 730kg total and second place.

Gerry had a 355kg squat, a 200kg (pb)-bench and 310kg deadlift for a total of 865kg, taking the first place crown.

In the 100kg open class was David Anderson, who achieved personal bests on all lifts, those being a 275kg squat, a 210kg bench and 250kg deadlift for a total of 735kg and 2nd place.

Also in Kyle’s class was local lifter Brendan Graham. Brendan had a personal best day with lifts of 315kg on squat, 210kg on bench and a 310kg deadlift for a total of 835kg and second place, all this coming after a major chest tear injury last year.

Alan, Brendan and Gerry are still thinking about their next competition, but it will most likely be the World Championships this November.

Kyle and David, however, are planning to compete at the European championships in June, which is being staged in Hungary.

The target for David is another increase on an ever-improving total and for Kyle the target must be to crack the 1000kg barrier and join an elite list of competitors in the sport.

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Deadlift Championships will be held at Kilrea Sports Complex on Saturday 16 April.

Lifting commences at 12noon and entry forms are available from the NIWLA website or from Denise Gourley on 07718 258 550.

The event is being run in association with Fit Club Gym.