UK Championships - Cardiff - 21st January 2012

Well, this was my 1st. competition of 2012. And a very important one too. There were almost 50 lifters from many European countries taking part, all with the intention of moving up the world rankings in order to qualify for selection for theLondon 2012 Paralympics.

I had prepared as well as I could and was hoping to improve on my previous best lift in competition, which was 132.5kg. I had 3 lifts in which to achieve my aim. My 1st lift at 130kg was a good opener. Then I went for 134kg and got that too. My biggest rival, a Frenchman, failed at the same weight, so things were looking good. Then I went for 136kg as my final lift. There were a few tense moments waiting for the referees' lights to show if it was a good lift. Something went wrong with the lights - it seemed like eternity. But then the scoreboard lit up, it was a good lift! Finally the Frenchman went for the same weight and he too got a good lift. So we tied for 1st place. However, as he was a bit lighter in bodyweight he took the gold and I had to be satisfied with the silver.

The main thing, though, was I had improved considerably on my previous best. So I am still in with a chance.I have one more big ranking international competition in Dubai in February when I must exceed 140kg to stand any chance of selection.

I'm also competing in the British Bench Press Championship in February. This is an able-bodied competition, but it is good competition practice.

So, back to the gym for some hard work. The next 4 weeks are vitally important. I hope I am selected and will do everything I can not to let all my supporters down.