AS a British Junior champion and five-time British record holder, powerlifter Edward Butcher is used to raising things. Now, as he prepares to compete in August’s World Junior and Sub-Junior Powerlifting Championships in Turkey, the Wolsingham-based 16-year-old is hoping to lift his blossoming career to even greater heights.

Butcher only took up powerlifting in lockdown, following the lead set by his older brother, William, who is a member of the powerlifting club at Northumbria University.

Things instantly clicked, and before too long, Edward, whose love of sport previously saw him compete in the National Schools Biathlon Championships, was pestering his parents to set up cement weights to lift in the garage. He began working with a coach based in Ashington, and competed in his first powerlifting competition almost a year ago.

Suffice to say, he was an instant hit. Earlier this month, Butcher competed in the British Sub-Junior Championship in Solihull and was crowned national champion. Not only did he beat the best of Britain, he also demolished all five British records for his age and weight.

Competing in the Under-16s, Under-59kg category, the teenager recorded lifts of 90kg for bench, 145kg for squat and 165.5kg for deadlift, meaning he is able to deadlift almost three times his body weight.

His performances secured him a place on the British squad for the World Championships, which will be staged in Istanbul from August 24. Butcher is due to compete in his age and weight category on August 31, and will be hoping to continue his rapid development on the world stage.