DAVID ATKINSON has taken the world of weight lifting by storm, winning the Yorkshire & North East Junior Powerlifting championship at Gateshead last weekend.

David, 19, beat last year's British junior champion on his way to the title, while taking part in his first competitive event.

He is a member of the Keighley Weightlifting and Powerlifting Club and trains at 'The Gym' in Devonshire Street, Keighley.

During the competition he lifted a 210kilo back squat, a 140kilo bench press and a 237.5 kilo dead lift giving him a total lift of 587.5 kilos. His performance also qualified him to take part in the British Junior Championships in August.

Dave's training partner is Martin Cartman who has acted as coach and qualified for the British Masters Championship at his last competition.

Other members of the Keighley club include Mel Barton, the British Masters 69kilo champion, Jean Wills, British Ladies Masters 69k and European champion; Stuart McConville, British Masters Champion; Sajid Iqbal, Yorks and NE Under-23 champion who has also qualified for the British Under-23 Championship.

Anyone interested in joining the club can contact Stuart McConville 01535-667088.

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