SPARTAN powerlifter Liam Belcher has returned from New Zealand with heavy gold hanging from the neck and a fresh Oceanic record.
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In his first international appearance at the Commonwealth and Oceania Powerlifting/Benchpress Championships, Belcher secured the 93kg weight range title with a combined lift of 690.5 kilograms over three categories.
A 293kg deadlift secured the 24-year-old with the title and a new Oceanic record.
“I opened with 270kg (first lift). Then moved on to 293kg to set a new Oceanic record and cement the win for myself at 2am. I locked out the lift and along with that the title,” he said.
“My third lift I could’ve gone to 300kg but decided to go all out and try to break the Commonwealth record of 305.5kg. I pulled it above me knees but couldn’t manage to lock it in.”
The school teacher completed a phenomenal 245kg squat in the opening category followed by a 152.5kg deadlift to secure a significant margin.
“I just managed to grind it out, which put me five kilograms in front of my nearest competitor from NZ,” he said.
Belchers’ main competition, a Nauruan competitor, pulled out of the competition early due to back problems.
After the event Belcher said it had taken its toll on his body, but was feeling accomplished.
“Today I’ve been pretty sore and tired but it has been an excellent experience and well worth the effort.”
245kg squat
152.5kg bench press
293kg deadlift (oceanic record)