A Frome teenager has won a bronze medal in the Global Powerlifting Committee World Championships in Trnava, Slovakia.
Liam Backhurst, a Year 12 student at Frome College, demonstrated ‘exceptional’ strength and dedication by achieving a personal best across all three disciplines: squat, 135kg; bench press, 90kg and deadlift, 160kg, competing in the Men’s Teens 67.5kg weight class.
The competition held in Slovakia last month attracted top young athletes from around the globe, making Liam’s bronze medal even more significant.
“Finishing third was an amazing achievement! I wasn’t even expecting top five when I was told I had qualified,” explained Liam. “However, I wasn’t the happiest with my performance on the bench press and I feel like I could have done better, but I am not going to beat myself up about it. My coach and I have spoken about this and we have already put a plan in place to address it.”
“In terms of the future, next year I have three to four competitions already in mind: the Welsh Championships, the Four Nations, Young Guns and the British Championships and maybe the World Championships again depending on qualification and also when the other competitions are.
“But overall, finishing in third place was amazing and the amount of support I got at the competition and from people at home was overwhelming. I am so grateful for everyone getting behind me!”
Frome College headteacher Emma Reynolds said, “This outstanding performance on the international stage represents not only a personal triumph for Liam but also brings pride to Frome College and the local community.
“The achievement is particularly noteworthy as Liam balanced his rigorous training schedule with his academic commitments.
“We are immensely proud of Liam’s achievement. His dedication to both his sport and studies exemplifies the well-rounded students we aim to nurture at our school.”
Liam added, “I would like to thank the sponsors who have helped to make this dream into a reality: Walton & Stratford, MJS Surfacing, Pinecone Lodges, Cosmic Monkey, SureSet Resin Systems.”
