Brian’s fighting fires and breaking records
Brian Coombes is Northern Ireland's first ever senior to win an International Powerlifting Federation British Title, also setting a new Commonwealth record.
TEMPLEPATRICK powerlifter Brian Coombes took a day off from saving lives in his full time job as a Firefighter at Whitla Fire Station in Belfast, to compete in the prestigious British Benchpress Championships which took place in Birmingham on May 6.
This invite only event seen the UK’s best powerlifters from the various divisions in England, Scotland N.I and Wales.
Having achieved the qualifying standard in regional championships where go head to head for the British title, Brian seen off close competition from other competitors in his heavyweight class to become Northern Irelands first ever senior to win an International Powerlifting Federation British Title. He also set a new commonwealth record.
Brian recently returned from New York sept last year winning the top award at the World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) breaking the world games record in the benchpress and deadlift totals, and out lifting 19 other powerlifters in his weight class from Germany, Finland, Usa, Czech, Mongolia, Sweden, Canada etc. and having one of the biggest lifts in any age group or weight class of over 500 competitors.
Brian also took home bronze medals and competed in the shotput and hammer throw and is continuing his training at Ballymena and Antrim athletics club. His goals are now to qualify for the field events and represent Northern Ireland in the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The WPFG will be in Belfast, August 2013 of which is expected to have over 10000 athletes and 25000 visitors for ten days of competition for over 60 different sporting events.
Ricky Mullan Director of N.I powerlifting said: “We have the fastest growing strength sports governing body in NI. “The NIPF has a remit of fair sport for all and is establishing itself as the premier powerlifting federation in N.I.
“Providing top class competitions designed to have lifters and spectators enjoy the experience, the NIPF will be in Enniskillen on June 16 for the NI Championships, followed by NI Benchpress competition in MidUlster during August where several lifters are expected to break British Records.
“The NIPF is focussed on encouraging young lifters into the sport believing that the work ethic, patience and dedication needed to succeed in a tough sport like powerlifting provides a good foundation for kids today, in addition to the long term health benefits! A team of six Junior lifters will be in Newcastle, England in July to compete against the best in England, Spain, Belgium and The Netherlands.
“Brian is the Treasurer and one of the NIPF senior committee and has led the way by firmly putting Northern Ireland on the map and leading the federation by example, Our membership this year has doubled and the number of new and junior and female lifters has trebled.”
For more info or if you would like to become involved in strength and powerlifting see us on facebook or checkout the website www.freewebs.com/niwla
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Weather for Antrim
Sunday 19 May 2013
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Temperature: 10 C to 17 C
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