Liam Belcher arrived in Auckland yesterday ahead of the competition, which begins today.

The 24-year-old said his main competition was a contender from Nauru and another New Zealand powerlifter, but he is confident he can come home with the title.

Belcher, who weighs 93kg will aim for a 257kg squat, 160kg bench and a 300kg deadlift – a national record for his weight range.

“I love the training, it’s a sport where you have to be continuously working at it. I have great training partners, and it keeps me fit and healthy,” Belcher said.

“Next year I want to compete at the world titles.”

Belcher started training at a gym in Maryborough three years ago and has since won multiple regional and national titles, including the South Australian Powerlifting Championships.

This weekend’s championship will be his first international appearance.

The Ballarat Specialist School teacher will be joined by 100 Australian weightlifters competing in the four-day event.