SOHAM powerlifter Kevin Peacock was crowned national bench press champion after a superb showing at the British Bench Press Championships in Milton Keynes.

SOHAM powerlifter Kevin Peacock was crowned national bench press champion after a superb showing at the British Bench Press Championships in Milton Keynes.

Peacock cruised to victory in the 75kg M2 50-60 category of the competition with a lift of 120kg, his second national title in as many years.

A former Olympic weightlifter, Peacock has been involved in the little known sport since 1975 and trains twice-a-week at the West End Gym in Ely along with English Champion Jared Fortin.

“There isn’t a lot of competitions for unequipped lifters like myself beyond national level so it was great to have won the title, said Peacock.

The pair have been training together in Ely for a number of years but are looking to get more people involved in the sport, which, they say, is more accessible than many might think.

“There are a lot of different weight categories and age groups so there is plenty of opportunity to compete against others at your level, said Peacock, “We would encourage everyone to come and have a go, there is a some technique involved with the lifts but it is something that we could teach.”

Former English champion Fortin, will be aiming for another tilt at the title again in 2010 but insists that you don’t have to be build like a body builder to get involved in powerlifting.

“You don’t have to be built like me to compete, you can be the size of someone like Kevin and it is a very good way of getting fit.”

If you want to get involved with powerlifting contact the West End Gym in Ely on 01353 666209.