Features

Forty four year old Phil Beniston from Kirkby in Ashfield is the current world champion powerlifter. He also has the world title for the bench-press category.

Phil is now hoping to retain both titles at the world powerlifting championships which take place in Mexico, 21 - 26 November 2007.

Confident

Despite suffering a back injury recently, Phil has been training hard at the gym in Kirkby's Festival Hall and is looking forward to the competition.

"I'm feeling quite confident. Training has been going well. I've been plagued with injuries for the past 18 months, but at the moment everything is going the right way."

Phil holds 27 world, European and British records and has lifted a host of awards in recent years.

Phil Beniston with his trophies

"It means a great deal to me to have the world titles. My current world title involved lifting 205 kg and I am hoping to extend that to about 210 kg.

"I don't know exactly who will be turning-up from around the world to compete in the championships in Mexico but there will be a big American team."

Experience

Phil is also the President of the All British Martial Arts Association and has many years experience of powerlifting. He has also been a gym manager.

"It all started when I was just 15 years old. I went along to a gym with a group of lads and it all went from there."