THREE lifters from the Forest Fitness Centre, Cinderford, competed in the South West of England power lifting championships – and returned home with two gold and one silver medal.
Neil Hodges of Coleford, the reigning British special power lifting champion, was on top form in the bench press, weighing in at his lightest competition body weight, 72.5 kilos. He returned a personal best lift of 112.5 kilos to take the silver medal.
Alan Kibble, of Cinderford, was lifting in the 67.5 kilo class and was successful with a personal best lift of 145 kilos. His third attempt of 155 kilos was unsuccessful but Alan lifted well enough to take the gold medal in his class.
Nigel Morris of Blakeney was competing in his first ever power lifting competition. Lifting in the 90 kilo class Nigel put in a superb debut performance being successful with two out of his three lifts he returned a personal best of 245 kilos to give him the gold medal in his weight class.
Neil and Alan are now training hard for the English National power lifting championship which will be held in Devon in June.
Powerlifting for people with special needs learning requirements takes place at the Fitness Centre, Heywood Sports Centre, Cinderford on Tuesdays and Fridays and on a Sunday morning.
Anyone interested can contact the South West co-ordinator and coach Alan Elliott for further details on 01594 826979.