World masters weightlifting in Orlando

[streatham dave]

I've mentioned it to a few on this site before but todays a big day in my family. My Dads in the GB team(first time ever)at the world masters bench press in Orlando. He has been watching the rovers since the 1950's which gives an indication of his age. The world masters is for weightlifters over 40 years of age and is second only to the open world championships (any age) in terms of global significance. Bench Press is not in Olympics mores the shame.Anyway my Dads in the M60(over 60's) 100KG class against some very tough opposition. Two of Europes best, asian record holder who is world champ from weight below last year, current world champ same class, and American champ. Mind you my Dads GB over 60's champ and number 4 in Britain overall so he's got a chance. He is however beyond a doubt least experienced in comp. Fingers firmly crossed it's a bloody tough ask and im proud of him regardless of anything. He's lifting in the next few hours.

[CusworthRovers]

A belated good luck to him. At his age and still train, have a controlled diet must take a great amount of discipline.

Can you let us know how he has done?

[streatham dave]

Found it tough finished 5th. I have not had a chance to talk to him but suspect he may be a little disappointed. He has lifted enough to win/come 2nd in training but it didn't go with him on the day. He matched his best lift in competition 160 KG, but title was taken at 175KG. Still very proud of him as you can imagine. It is small margins at that level such as he would have been 4th but for weighing less than 1kg more than person who was 4th who lifted same. Person who came third late enterant from weight div below. It has to all go right and it didnt quite, but still as I shall tell him positives can definately be taken it was only his third comp, first representing GB and placed him 2nd out of Europe in his division.

[BLIR]

160kg is bloody good going at that age. I'm a pretty big bloke, and at my prime (about 15 years ago) I could only just press that!