RICH Fricker was triumphant in his class at the British Powerlifting Championships earlier this month, a result likely to book him a place at the World Championships in the process.

Trowbridge’s Fricker was competing in the masters class for over 40s in Andover and set four British records at the event.

Kicking off in the squat lift, Fricker set an easy opener at 230kg lift and followed it up with 260kg, setting a new national record in the process.

But not content with that, Fricker went one better by lifting 275kg to break his own benchmark.

Fricker then turned his attentions to the bench press and, after opening his account at 135kg, he soon bagged another national record at 160kg.

The exertion left him with a slight twinge in his shoulder but after a bit of treatment Fricker was happy to go for his third lift and again a British record followed as he raised 167.5kg.

The final lift of the competition was the deadlift and Fricker opened his account at 230kg before swiftly moving up to 260kg.

For his final attempt Fricker set his target at 267.5kg but was given two red lights after the judges deemed he had failed to lock out his knees.

Fricker said: “Although it was a no lift I was happy because I know it was not a strength problem.

“At the end of the day I still set four new British records and with with a total of 702.5kg it gave me my 28th British title.

“I am now waiting for my official invitation to represent Great Britain at the World Powerlifting Championships in Portugal in November.

“I had a verbal invitation on the day but I’m waiting to see it in writing now.

“After a week’s rest I plan to get back to the gym and start my build up for the Worlds where I will try to lift some even bigger weights.”

Fricker currently holds nine world records and numerous British and European records.

He was won 17 World Championship titles and is looking to add one more this winter.

Fricker trains at the Train Station gym in Frome and is on the lookout for sponsors to help with the cost of the trip to Portugal.

Anyone interested in helping Fricker can contact him via email on richfricker1@gmail.com.