Heavy metal
Huddersfield postman Andy Philp has set a new, albeit unofficial, UK Masters deadlifting record by lifting a leg-shuddering 317.5kgs.
Unfortunately, the attempt, which you can watch here, was only an unofficial attempt, so Andy is currently continuing his training for what will be an official attempt in February.
Andy, who has been at Royal Mail for seven months, started powerlifting around five years ago. When he started training with a specialist coach his natural form started improving very quickly.
‘I used to live in Rochdale, so I lifted for the North West,’ said Andy. ‘I held the North West Masters records for the Squat, Bench, Deadlift and Total categories.
‘I then became the British Masters champion in 2017. But due to injury and illness, I’ve not managed to compete properly since then.
‘The competition you can see in the video was at short notice and so we decided to treat it as just a heavy session and not actually prepare for it. My next full competition will be a British and European qualifier at the end of February. I should qualify for both with the Europeans Championships being held in Manchester next year.
‘I’m currently training to correct and strengthen my weaknesses, so I’m fully ready for next year.’
When asked for his top training tips, Andy said: ‘Always train hard, even when you don’t feel like it. Ideally, get yourself a training partner and listen to your body, don’t ever “ego-lift!” Every lift should be approached in the same way, from the empty bar to your maximum weight.’
Andy says he always listens to heavy metal on his headphones in the car on his way to train or to a competition. ‘It’s to block everything and everybody else out,’ he said. When asked about any superstitions or rituals he has before competitions, he said: ‘I always put my right sock, knee sleeve and shoe on first. I did the same when I used to play rugby!’
Huddersfield cover manager Kieron Crabb, said: ‘A huge well done to one of my Huddersfield East team members, Andy Philp. Watch this space for his official attempt in February.’
You can follow Andy on Instagram at andyhulk13.
