Three young powerlifters from Houghton-le-Spring will represent their country later this year at the British Powerlifting Union British Championships, it has been revealed.

Steven Bard, 19, Niall Gaute, 20, and Nathan Gaute, 23, took part in the British Powerlifting Union’s qualifiers on April 2, that can see hopefuls qualify for both British and European Championships.

Held by the British Powerlifting Union and Amateur British Powerlifting Union, top scorers will represent their sport in Manchester this year from 15-22 July.

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The Northern Echo spoke to Nathan, one of the qualifiers, as he hopes to do his country proud in what will be a tough competition after a grueling qualifying round.

He said: “This qualifying was in Swindon, it’s like any other powerlifting competition. You show up, you get three attempts at your squat, bench and deadlift.”

“I walked away with a 630kg total of all my lifts and that was the highest of the competition.”

The Houghton local admitted that powerlifting wasn’t a sport he expected to get in to, as he only took his first steps into powerlifting six years ago.

He said: “It really came about when I was 17 or 18, and I got a bit bored of football. When I went to college, I had this lecturer who was an ex-bodybuilder and into weight lifting.

“At this point, I didn’t really know what my strength was. But then we had a deadlifting lesson with him I pulled 200kg at seventeen years old.

“My lecturer told me that was impressive, and it’s something I should pursue if I enjoy it. So, I started going to the gym more and haven’t looked back.”

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Nathan, who trains at New Level Gym in Pallion, said he’s ecstatic to be putting the gym “back on the map.”

He added: “Going to the British Championships is something I’ve just always wanted to do, it’s like a bit of a dream come true for me.”

“I’m just really hoping to do my country proud and walk away with the best numbers I can.”