A ROYAL NAVY powerlifter based at HM Naval Base Clyde has represented Great Britain at the world powerlifting championships in Lithuania.

Petty officer catering services (PO)(CS) Wesley ‘Wes’ McGuinness competed at the International Powerlifting Federation tournament in the bench press discipline.

The 32-year-old submariner from Sunderland finished seventh, achieving a bench press of 167.5 kg against some very strong competition.

PO McGuinness started his powerlifting journey in 2011, and within three years had represented England at the ‘Four Nations’ power lifting championships.

Helensburgh Advertiser: PO Wesley McGuinness at the World Powerlifting ChampionshipsPO Wesley McGuinness at the World Powerlifting Championships

In 2016, he upped the ante (along with the weight) and joined British Powerlifting, the highest level of British powerlifting association in the United Kingdom.

Wes will be hard at work in the gym over the coming weeks, starting his preparations in early January for the Commonwealth Championships being held in New Zealand, and the World Bench Press Championships held in Kazakhstan - both in 2022.

He said: “This year was a real eye opener, I feel better going into the championships next year.

“At this year’s event I felt like an attendee, however I have gained bags of experience and next year I’ll be going back as a contender.”

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