Powerlifter eyes gold after taking European silver

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Reigning Commonwealth champion Dylan Davies has taken silver in Sweden as he lifted a total of 655 kilograms across the event – with plans on reaching 700kg by the end of the year.

At the age of 52, Dylan Davies, who works as a caretaker at the Twyn Community Centre, is as determined as ever; setting new records despite career threatening injuries.

Davies travelled to Sweden in July where he competed at the European Masters Powerlifting Championship in the M2 category – which is for competitors aged between 50 and 60.

The sport consists of athletes lifting heavy weights. The winner is then determined by who can lift the heaviest weight.

Although he took a disappointing fourth overall, Davies claimed silver in the deadlift where he lifted a whopping 260kg – roughly the weight of a fully-grown lion.

Davies said: “It was a really tough competition. There was a big field of about ten or so but I was gutted to just miss out.

“The deadlift is my favourite so I’m very pleased to take silver. I only missed out on gold by 10kg, which was tough to take.”

As well as the deadlift, Davies also managed a 230kg squat and a 165kg bench press despite injuring his shoulder a few years ago.

Davies told Caerphilly Observer that he has pulled out of the next few events as he prepares to defend his Commonwealth title in New Zealand later this year.

“I travel to Christchurch in November where I’m looking to defend my title”, he said. “I do feel it in my body at this age so it’s important to get the preparation right.

Davies added: “I love the travelling this sport offers you, I’ve been lucky enough to go to some amazing places and it keeps me wanting to come back for more.”