A WORCESTER man has smashed the world record in deadlifting at the World Powerlifting Championships (WPC).
Gary Phillips broke the British, European and world record in the deadlifting category of the WPC to become the World Powerlifting Champion.
The 45-year-old lifted 275k, the equivalent to 43st, in the drug-free international event at Telford’s Innovation Campus, which is the highest competition level of the sport.
Phillips has trained at Worcester’s City Gym for the last four years to help him keep in peak condition to compete in the local and national qualifying events leading to the WPC.
Phillips said: “When they announced a new world record was being attempted before making the lift, I felt the pressure but also felt psyched up and excited.
“I knew I could do it, so was over the moon once they announced I had broke the record and in a way it makes you feel good inside knowing that you’ve just created a bit of history.
“I want to give a special mention to Dave Low who has helped train and coach me to ultimately become the World Powerlifting Champion.”