STRONGMAN DAVID Clifford helped Great Britain win team gold at the fifth IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships in Minsk, Belarus.
The electronics engineer from Lees also narrowly missed out on an individual medal on his international debut at the age of 51.
David, who lives in Netherlees, landed a place on the British team after triumphing in the British Masters Classic Powerlifting Championships in Belfast earlier this year.
He was victorious in the Masters2 under-83kg class in the 50/59 age group category, smashing two British records in the process.
David, who had to fund the trip to Belarus as the sport receives no financial support, was delighted with his achievements – the GB masters teams won 24 gold, 26 silver and 21 bronze medals.
He said: “I was extremely proud to be part of the Male Masters 2 (50-59 years) team who are now world champions.
“I overcame my initial nerves and achieved personal best in the squat and bench press with final lifts of 205kg and 130kg respectively, with 205kg squat being a new English record in the Master 2 U83kg category.
“After successfully completing my first deadlift attempt of 230kg there was only 5kg difference between the competitors in second and fifth places.
“Unfortunately I failed my second attempt at 245kg, with my grip failing marginally before getting the down command from the chief referee.
“For my third and final lift, I attempted 252.5kg which would have earned me the bronze medal, but it was just too heavy for me on the day.
“I finished just outside of a podium finish in fourth place with a total of 565kg. Initially I was a little disappointed until it was pointed out I had achieved personal best in two of the three lifts in my first international competition and was only 5kg behind my British record total.
“I had a fantastic and exhilarating time with my emotions changing from extreme nerves to trepidation, relief to joy. I can’t wait to do it all over again.”
David, who trains at Viking Fitness Gym, Lees, is taking a short break before building up to his next competition, the North West Powerlifting Championships at the North West Strength Expo in Manchester on September 2 and 3.
Any business wishing to sponsor David can email him at: davenlo@gmail.com
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