The First Post

My first ever blog! I frequently post on forums, but have never done a blog before. This should be fun, especially when I eventually embrace the technology!



About me? Well I have a website (http://www.martinflett.com/) and check that out for some info about me and what I do. I met Alan Stevens, the new president of the PSA, last night, and Alan sort of inspired me to start my own blog. It's much more interactive than a website, cheap (I am a good Scotsman after all) and I can update it myself rather than relying on third parties.



So let's start the first post with some genuinely great news about my achievements this year. I am a "plastic powerlifter" - that is I am a bench presser because injury prevents me doing the other two powerlifting disciplines - squat and deadlift.



I started as a disabled powerlifter (that's bench press only) in 2002, but after lots of obstacles to competing internationally because I wasn't disabled enough (that might be a topic in its own right in time) I gave that up. However in the process I discovered that bench press on it's own is now a stand alone sport. I also discovered there are Masters age categories once you hit 40. I was 48 by the time I moved from disabled into Masters and for the first two years I got my butt well and truly kicked in competition after competition; but I always had in mind that if I worked hard and improved my lifts then I might be competitive in Masters 2 once I hit 50.



Since hitting 50 I've won the British Weightlifters Association (BWLA) Masters 2 Bench Press title in 2006 and 2007; and I've also won the Unequipped BWLA Masters 2 Bench Press titles both years. I'm the British Masters 2 record holder for unequipped bench press and am closing in on the Equipped record.



This year I joined the British Drug Free Powerlifting Association (BDFPA) as well as BWLA. Primarily for more competitive opportunities as there are not many bench-only competitions, but also because I had friends who lifted there. In Bradford this July, I won both the Equipped and Unequipped Masters 3 Bench Press titles. I set a British record in Unequipped bench and a world record in equipped bench. Yes, you read that right, a WORLD RECORD! Chuffed? You bet!



But its gets better. I went to the World Drug Free Powerlifting Federation (WDFPF) Single Lift World Championships in Pescara, Italy and on Saturday 13th October, I won two world Over 50s titles and equalled my world record in the Equipped Bench Press. Again, chuffed to bits!



That's enough for a first post. I'm far far more than just a bench presser, but the sport has given me a profile and a platform to expand into other areas and do things that I've wanted to do all my life but was never in a position to do.



More about that and other matters on subsequent blogs. It would be great if I could get some feedback on here rather than just be all me. Look forward to hearing from lots of you out there in cyberspace.



Best wishes,



Martin.