A PAIR of Frodsham powerlifters medalled at the BWLA British Raw Bench championships in Solihull.
Paul Kopec, 21, who works at Coward’s Butchers in his home town, was a first-time entrant in a national competition, having only begun his competitive career in January.
Meanwhile, the multi-titled Martin Flett retained his 50+ age group title with his first lift of the event.
Kopec lifted 110 kilos to take bronze in the under 23s 75 kilos class and was only 2.5 kilos away from silver.
Both lifters who finished ahead of him were vastly more experienced and one of them moves into seniors next year. With a full year’s training under his belt, Kopec has an excellent chance of grabbing the U23s title next year.
Flett, meanwhile, defended his title with his 155 kilo opener.
The best the opposition could muster was 142.5 kilos by Blackpool’s Andy Fowlds.
Flett missed two attempts at 162.5. But his winning lift also placed him fifth out of 13 in the open section.
This was won by Oldham’s Chris Edwards with a phenomenal 190 – the highest lift of the day apart from two superheavyweights.
“I was delighted to retain my title,” said Flett. “But I was disappointed not to get the 162.5.
“I took a chance in not peaking for this event, because my targets this year are the BDFPA Equipped Bench in late July, where I hope to break my own 50+ world record and the WDFPA world championships in Belgium in October.
“So I couldn’t really expect to be at my best but I did enough to keep my title with something to spare and that was the main objective.”
