An Ely-based powerlifter is expecting to break four British records in his first competition on Sunday. Eighteen-year-old Jared Torrin will be competing in the East Midlands Powerlifting Championships in Colchester, and will take part in the squat, bench

An Ely-based powerlifter is expecting to break four British records in his first competition on Sunday.

Eighteen-year-old Jared Torrin will be competing in the East Midlands Powerlifting Championships in Colchester, and will take part in the squat, bench press and deadlift in the under-18, 125kg category, with the overall score also recorded.

The squat involves the athlete taking weight on to the top of the back, walking clear and squatting before returning it, the bench press requires the lifter to lie on their back and lift a weight bar from their chest to full extension, and the deadlift is where the competitor lifts the weight bar from the floor until his or her legs, arms and back are straight, before returning it under control.

Mr Torrin said: "I have beaten the British records for my age and weight group in each of the disciplines in training; the squat by a big amount."

The British records for the under-18 125kg category are: 165kg for the squat, 110kg for the bench press and 185kg for the deadlift, and Mr Torrin claims to have lifted 200kg, 115kg, and 190kg for each discipline respectively.

Mr Torrin weighs 19 stone, was born in Alberta, Canada and trains four times a week for two hours at Ely's West End Fitness Centre.

He said: "If I have a good day I will break the records and become British champion. But sometimes you wake up on the wrong side and don't perform. I'm hoping to be able to feed off the excitement of the big day and the adrenalin will make me go crazy." Photo: HELEN DRAKE