'I held the world record... for three minutes'

9:00am Thursday 10th April 2008

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Powerlifting: Terry Minty can claim to be a world record holder - if only for three minutes.

The 17-year-old from Broadleas Park, in Devizes, claimed the World Record for a deadlift in the U18 category at the British Unequipped Powerlifting Championships in Tamworth on Saturday by lifting 190kgs.

But just three minutes later he saw the record snatched away from him by the very next competitor who lifted 200kgs.

"I couldn't believe it," said Minty, who finished second in the 67kgs weight group. "I'd broken it and, although I knew he was going to push himself in his last lift, I didn't think he'd do it straight away.

"I was just so pleased to break the record, it's really difficult to describe. I just walked over to my dad smiling."

His performance marked a staggering achievement in only his second competition and Minty has now set his sights on dominating the field in the European Championships in Dublin in June.

"I'll be going for all four records, the individual ones and the overall score and I am sure I can do it," he said after his squat of 140kgs, benchpress of 90kgs and deadlift of 190kgs left him with a total of 420kgs.

"I've always had a lot of confidence but now I've got even more."

It was also a successful day for dad Vince who claimed gold in the 90kgs for ages between 40 and 45-years-old.

He squatted 200kgs, benched 162.5 and deadlifted 230kgs to reach the European Championship but overlooked his achievements for those of his son.

He said: "We were just jumping around and couldn't believe it. To have the record taken away so quickly is gutting but he'll get it next time."

Terry's friend Ian Dixon also qualified for the Championship by finishing second in the U18 75kgs class.

The 17-year-old squatted 115kgs, benched 90kgs and 165 in the deadlift.

All three train in a disused Devizes barn.