A LIFELONG Andoverian has lifted his way to record book success at a world championship powerlifting competition.

Clifford Richards recently competed at the World Powerlifting Congress World Powerlifting Championship where he finished second and set a new world record for bench press in his weight category.

The electronics technician, who competes in the Male 82.5kg Raw Open Category, bench pressed a staggering 210.5kg at the competition, held in Maia, Portugal, on Friday 13 November.

The lift smashed the previous world record set by Russian lifter Konovalov Serge in 2009.

It also helped Mr Richards, who squatted a British record of 250kg and dead-lifted 260kg, to a massive 720.5kg total across all three lifts, placing him second in the World at his weight category.

The Augusta Park resident’s total lift also set a new British record.

A delighted Mr Richards told the Andover Advertiser: “I’m really happy with how it went.

“This has been on my mind for a number of years and to finally achieve it is nice but I don’t really feel any different because I will never really be fully satisfied.

“I always want to push myself and do more and beat the next man.

“For me it’s not just about winning my category, it’s about looking at people in the higher categories and seeing if I can compete with them.”

Despite his enthusiasm for the sport, Mr Richards could have been forced to give up all together just over a year ago when he required surgery on his legs for Compartment Syndrome.

Unfortunately for Mr Richards, the surgery had serious implications and a blood clot and an aggressive infection nearly led doctors to amputate his leg.

Luckily for the 37-year-old both the clot and infection were treated and after being released from hospital he went straight back to the gym.

Despite going through a ‘difficult phrase’ due to a lack of strength following the surgery, Mr Richards quickly managed to re-discover his form.

Five months later he had placed first in the British Powerlifting Union South East Championships before becoming British Powerlifting Champion in July this year.

Following his success, he was offered a sponsorship deal by the owner of Andover-based Fevo Gym, Andre Diurno.

Since then the two have struck up an impressive partnership with Mr Diurno giving financial backing and providing Mr Richards with specialist equipment.

Mr Richards added: “I would like to thank my beautiful wife Amanda who supports me tirelessly throughout my difficult training phases.

“I would like to thank Andre, as well as Danni Bannan for the sports massage and acupuncture sessions which helped me remain injury free.

“I would also like to thank those people who kindly donated to my gofundme page which raised £470 to help me attend the world champs.”