A BANGOR powerlifting team have every reason to celebrate after winning a host of medals at the Northern Ireland Powerlifting Federation (NIPF) Spring Classic competition.
The Rhyno powerlifting team, formed in 2012, are an all-age club for men and women, who train every Saturday at Bangor Aurora, with members aged from 16 to 52.
The Spring Classic, held recently in Coleraine, is a major event in the NIPF calendar, as it is one of the competitions which offer a route to representing NI on the international stage.
The Rhynos entered a team of seven, and came away with four weight division winners: Jim Rossborough, Charley Routledge, Michael Bruce and Ross Anderson.
Two of the team also set new NI records, with 16-year old Charley Routledge lifting 130kg in the Sub-Junior Women’s 57kg Deadlift and Rhynos’ Head Coach, Michael Bruce, lifting an incredible 335kg in the Men’s 120kg Squat. To top that, Michael also picked up the Best Overall Lifter trophy.
Add in personal bests for Jim Rossborough, Haydn Johnston, Aaron Small and James Rowlinson and this was a competition to remember for the Rhynos.
Delighted by the team’s success, head coach Michael said: “I couldn’t be prouder of the team after such an incredible performance at the Spring Classic. To have all seven team members either win or hit a PB is an incredible performance for us, and shows that as a team we peaked at just the right time.
“We’re now preparing for further NIPF competitions, but these results have given the whole club a huge lift. I would recommend weight training to everyone. It builds strength and muscle development, as well as general bone health. There’s also a great sense of camaraderie that you get from lifting and training together as a team.”
Will Carson, sports development/health manager for Northern Community Leisure Trust, which operates the sports complex said: “Congratulations to the Rhynos team. You did Bangor and the Aurora proud.”
