TROWBRIDGE strongman Rich Fricker enjoyed a sensational return to international action as he secured four world records in his first outing on foreign soil in four years.

The 54-year-old factory worker was sidelined with injury in 2014 but after tasting victory at July’s BPU (British Powerlifting Union) British Championships in Andover this summer, he was back on the international scene at last week’s WPC (World Powerlifting Congress) World Championships in Portugal.

After setting a new world record of 275kg in the World Deadlift Championships – his 16th world title – Fricker headed into the World Championships proper and completed three bench presses, three squats and three deadlifts for a recorded total of over 700kgs in the masters category, clinching three more world records.

The Trowbridge world champion, who trains at Train Station Gym in Frome and is sponsored by his employers Gainsborough Beds, plans to compete in next year’s World Championships in Louisiana.