Over the weekend, I travelled down to Solihull, Birmingham on Saturday and Sunday for the British Raw Bench.
On Saturday I came down with Paul Kopec, an U23 lifter I coach who was taking part in a British Championship for the first time. There are no pictures of Paul lifting because all my attention was on helping him rather than snapping him. The only picture I have is of him getting his medal and certificate.
In common with many over the two days, Paul lifted slightly less than expected, but his opening 110 was a new competition PB and good enough to get him third place in the 75 Kilos U23 Class. He then failed two attempts at 115. Very confusing, since the previous Monday he did 110 plus a black mini band and had tripled 110 and singled 115 and 120 the week before that.
On the Sunday, I fared little better. My opening lift of 155 felt really easy, and was good enough to win the 50+ title, but I then failed twice with a weight (162.5) that should have been reletively straightforward. In my (partial) defence, I hadn't peaked for this particular championship. I lift competitively at least 10 times a year and it just isn't practical to peak for each, so one has to make choices and accept the consequences of these. My choice is to peak for international masters events.
A couple of my colleagues in the British Masters team had a much better day. Steve Demeis and Allan Hulme both lifted 182.5 (400 pounds+) to win the 110 and 125 classes respectively - not the 50+ titles, but THE titles, and Allan broke the British record twice in the process.
Sadly, Allan lost his sister four weeks ago. Yesterday he was emotionally fired up and was doing it for his sister. Well, two British records, a senior British title in your 50s, and breaking through the 400 barrier raw is a fantastic performance. I'm sure she was looking down, cheering you on, and very proud of you, Allan. In the pictures, Allan's the guy in the green socks.
And my class overall was won by my friend Chris Edwards who owns Rhinos Gym in Oldham with a superb 190 - heavier than the winning lifts in the 110s and 125s (sorry Steve and Allan!) and beaten only by the first two in the superheavyweight class.
Attached are a few photos from the event, including a really good one of me receiving my medal - rear delts showing, face hidden, as it should be.
As usual at these events, it was good to meet old friends and make new friendships.
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