A TEENAGER from Rhyl who trained for weightlifting in his living room during lockdown has gone on to break a world record.

Adam Walkowycz, 17, beat the 240kg record for the 90kg weight class with a lift of 245kg at the European Powerlifting Championships in Manchester on Saturday, August 14.

It is not the first record the teenager has defeated since he began weightlifting at Elite Personal Training in Rhyl just two years ago, after he wanted to improve his fitness while playing football and rugby at Rhyl Rugby Club.

Adam immediately found he was a natural at the powerful sport and under the guidance of coach Simon Johnston he won the British powerlifting record of 190kg in the 82.5-90kg weight class aged just 15 during the North Wales regional European qualifiers in March 2019.

“I find it fun as I enjoy having a challenge and training hard,” he said. “Before I could lift any heavy weights I had to work on getting my technique right for six months.

“I mostly train all my body, with squats, deadlift, bench press, and I’ve got really strong with deadlifts.

“You need to have good core strength, back strength, leg strength, and then do it all at the same time.

“Everyone in the gym is really friendly and it is a good place to go. I’ve met a lot of people there.”

The former Rhyl High School student, who is now an apprentice bricklayer, continued to train during lockdown, with a well-planned schedule and online sessions with his coaches at the gym.

After qualifying for the European Powerlifting Championships before lockdown, the competition was cancelled four times but despite the setbacks the youngster committed to his training regime, which included online sessions with his EPT coaches.

“It was cancelled so many times and I had a few moments where I lacked motivation but Simon and everyone else at the gym gave me more motivation and inspiration,” he said.

“I wouldn’t have been able to train a lot if Simon had not given me the equipment as there were stupid prices for weights during lockdown.

“My mum’s not enjoying it having weights everywhere, and I have to keep them in the bathroom downstairs.”

Due to lockdown restrictions Adam’s world record attempt was spectated by his family and friends via a livestream at the Rhyl gym and he has been celebrated following his outstanding feat.

Mum Christine said: “The gym is a good support network and Adam has loved it there from day one.

“He was anxious at first but it has been great for his self-esteem and he really believes in himself.”