Competing in the British Bench Press Championships was an experience that marked the culmination of months of dedication, hard work and resilience. Despite setbacks early in the year, including battling illness and nursing a minor injury after Christmas, my journey to the platform was marked by a steadfast commitment to overcoming these hurdles. In the final weeks leading up to the competition my strength levels were peaking, which made me optimistic about my performance.
Watch the full competition video here.
Timecodes for the lifts: 157.5 kg, 167.5 kg, 177.5 kg.
Results
British Classic Bench Press Championships, Rayleigh, 2 March 2024 (British Powerlifting, classic).
| Lift | Attempt 1 | Attempt 2 | Attempt 3 | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bench press | 157.5 kg | 167.5 kg | 167.5 kg |
| Place | Bodyweight | Class | Division |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 73.9 kg | Under 74 kg | Open |
Results: OpenPowerlifting
In competitive bench pressing, awareness of your competitors’ capabilities is crucial. Among the athletes was a friend and formidable opponent, renowned for their strength, who often out-lifted me by approximately 10 kilograms. This reality set my sights on a strategic aim for second place, acknowledging the calibre of talent I was up against.
As competition day dawned, my preparation bore fruit. Achieving a swift 170 kg in training bolstered my confidence, making the prospect of securing second place seem more tangible. Yet the field was competitive, with emerging talents entering the senior category, reminding me that nothing was guaranteed without unwavering focus and discipline.
Weighing in at 73.9 kg, I found myself well positioned within my weight category, avoiding an excessive weight cut that could have compromised my performance. My opening lift of 157.5 kg, the heaviest I’ve ever opened with, was executed flawlessly, earning me three white lights for a successful attempt.
Progressing to the second attempt, I selected 167.5 kg, a weight that tested not only my strength but also my adherence to technique. The lift was executed with such precision that it reinforced my confidence. However, the competition’s unpredictable nature soon became evident. My competitor, the athlete known for their superior strength, encountered unexpected difficulties, failing their opening attempt at 175 kg on a technicality.
This development unexpectedly shifted the dynamics of the competition. I had initially planned to attempt between 172 kg and 175 kg, based on my training performances, but I was now presented with an unforeseen opportunity to go for the top spot. My final attempt was ambitiously set at 177.5 kg, a weight that, if successful, would clinch first place.
Although my attempt at 177.5 kg did not result in a successful lift, the attempt itself was a testament to my capability and determination. It was a near miss that, paradoxically, boosted my confidence in my competitive potential. In an astonishing twist, a video referee’s decision then overturned my competitor’s final attempt, leading to an unexpected victory on my part.
This victory at the British Bench Press Championships was more than just a personal triumph; it was a dramatic story of competition, strategy and sportsmanship. The camaraderie shared with my competitor, the strategic decisions made in the heat of the moment, and the sheer unpredictability of the sport all contributed to an unforgettable experience. This win, unexpected and exhilarating, has not only added a remarkable chapter to my competitive journey but also set the stage for future challenges, with renewed vigour and confidence.
