POWERLIFTER Mick Bradford picked up more than just weights at the World Drug Free Powerlifting championships in Atlanta, Georgia.

The 47-year-old cleaning contractor, who trains at Loughton Sports Hall, also walked away clutching a magnificent winners trophy after beating off all comers in the 100kg masters II class at the championships on Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11.

Sharing in his success were fellow Loughton Hall gym members Teresa Mullaney and Brian Mitchell. Mullaney won the women's 58.5kg boy-weight class and also the women's best lifter award while Mitchell scooped top spot in the 110kg masters I section.

Bradford, who took up powerlifting seven years ago, said the win was the pinnacle of a career which has already seen him win the European championships at 110kg masters II and come second in the British championships at 110kg masters II

His victory was not quite as nailbiting as Bradford first thought after he established a telling lead in the squat section.

He followed that up with solid lifts in both the bench press and deadlift for an impressive and, ultimately, comfortable victory.

Bradford said: "I'm absolutely tickled pink. It was wonderful to come back with the winner's trophy. It's a long way to go and not do well so I was full of trepidation before I went but absolutely delighted to win. I am also grateful to my sponsor, Apollo Lifts, whose support was absolutely invaluable."

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