LIFTING LEGEND RAISES THE BAR
AN OCTOGENARIAN athlete from Greenock pulled off an incredible feat by breaking two British records in the space of three minutes - and is now launching a bid to become world champion.
Local strongman George Byng raised the bar at the recent National Single Lift Championships in Horncastle by completing a record-breaking 110kg deadlift, before bettering the feat minutes later with a 112.5kg lift.
The 87-year-old’s two efforts topped the existing record for George’s age category, which were set over a decade ago in 2012.
After a strong warmup and first attempt, George decided to attempt a personal best of 105kg, which he managed comfortably.
The former Commonwealth
Games competitor told the Tele that he decided to go for the record after encouragement from his coach and friend Stuart Crichton.
He said: “It was a terrific feeling, I really didn’t expect to do it. “I went down intending to do a personal best of a 105-kilo deadlift, which I managed, and I then planned to increase to 107.5 kilo, but the guy who was helping me said I should go for the world record. “I got it comfortably.
“As it was a world record, I was allowed an extra attempt and I got that, which was really a big surprise to me.
“It might be the shortest world record ever, it lasted three minutes!
“Luckily I got no injuries at all taking part.
“The next competition I’m taking part in is in June in Amsterdam and winning that would make me world champion, if all is going well I’ll go for another record.
“I’m hoping to increase my bodyweight up to maybe 80 kilos and see what I can do.”
George’s successful outing follows on from a big win in Coatbridge at the end of last year, where he set a new Scottish record.
His best unofficial attempt prior to the single lift championships had been a deadlift of 100kg in November last year.
His bid for glory at the World Single Lift Championships in Amsterdam will be on June 3.