THE BLOG

09
Jun

WDFPA – World Powerlifting Championships – Antwerp, Belgium.

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After a successful British Nationals, and qualifying for the World champs I had just 8 weeks to prepare for the biggest challenge to date within my powerlifting career. I am pleased to announce that I finished 2nd and can proudly say that I am the 2017 World Number 2 for deadlift within the 75kg catergory of the World Drug Free Powerlifting Association (WDFPA)

However, on a personal level, I had a poor performance and after some reflection there were a few reasons why.

The Nationals gave me great confidence, pulling a PB and setting a new Navy record of 230kg, while narrowly missing out on 235kg. My expectations were high for Worlds and my aim was to hit that 235kg. Unfortunately this didn’t happen, and after a successful opener of 215kg I jumped to 230kg and failed it twice. My rest week leading up to the comp was tied in with a wedding in Aya Napa, not ideal! Although I restricted myself to only 2 nights of drinking, this is far from what I should be doing in the lead up to a world championship! However, I was the best man and it was just poor timing, something of which I couldn’t really help.

I opted to continue with a bulk after nationals and really struggled to cut the weight. This was poor planning and I think played a massive part in my poor performance. Prior to nationals I had always maintained my BW below 75kg and this allowed me to continue dieting relatively carefree. I felt that a bulk would help give me that extra bit of strength to pull the 235kg, which if I had managed, would of given me 1st place. This was not the case and my poor planning meant that I was still cutting on my rest week, where I should of been carbing up and flooding my muscles with glycogen ready for the big day. Instead I went into the competition relatively depleted of energy and although I had 2 hours after weigh in to eat, it was way too late. In previous competitions I have had a 3 day carb load and I am a big believer in the benefits that this can bring, especially because of the energy demands that are forced upon us during a day of lifting.

I also struggled with being on my own, nearly everyone had some sort of support, which makes a huge difference. For me I appreciate the advice and second pair of eyes on the opening lift and those there after. Deep down I knew that my opening lift didn’t feel as comfortable as it should have and I shouldn’t of jumped to 230kg. But I was heart set on a new PB and Navy record of 235kg, which was my downfall and another lesson learnt.

All in all, I learnt a lot in terms of competition prep and competition discipline, with regard to listening to my gut and not my own expectations. It was an absolute privilege to represent the UK in sport and we did come away with a British 1st and 2nd within the 75kg category. Along with a UK overall win. I appreciate everyone’s support over the last year and I’m looking forward to improving on last years performances. Eat plenty, and lift heavy!