An Andover strongman is hoping to beat two world records at the upcoming British Powerlifting Union (BPU) Championships to be held at Andover Leisure Centre this weekend (4th / 5th July).
Clifford Richards, is the current BPU British record holder for raw bench-press, with a lift of 190 kg. But he’s hoping to raise the bar even higher by lifting some 210kg in bench-press and beating the British squat lift record of 240kg too.
Clifford, who’s 36, has been competing for over 10 years and training to be a professional power lifter since he was 17.
He said: “I feel genuinely excited that I am close to achieving a lifelong goal of mine. The work doesn’t stop there though as there is always more to achieve and I have been training for so long that it is simply part of everyday life for me now.”
Clifford previously attempted his world record bench press at the Andover Leisure Centre Fitness Expo in March, but with a few extra months in training, he believes that he can finally achieve his goal.
Andover is a hotbed for powerlifting talent. Clifford trains at Andover Leisure Centre alongside some of the other BPU competitors.
He said: “There is a growing number of talented people in the town and they’re always willing to help others. Andover Leisure Centre instructor Robyn Brown is himself a former powerlifting world champion and a fountain of knowledge when it comes to strength based training.”
Clifford will be making his world record attempts at the British Powerlifting Championships on Sunday 5th July at Andover Leisure Centre. Spectators are welcome.
For more information see the Andover Leisure Centre website at www.valleyleisure.co.uk.
