World place for powerlifter Meachen (From Harwich and Manningtree Standard)

World place for powerlifter Meachen

12:06pm Friday 5th February 2010

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POWERLIFTER Lee Meachen capped a whirlwind few days by booking his spot at the World Masters Bench Press Championships in America.

The 44-year-old had a weekend to remember, being among the medals at the British Championships in Colchester on Saturday.

Then, 48 hours later, he got a surprise e-mail from the British Powerlifting Association asking him to join them in Orlando in April.

His achievements were made all the more remarkable by the fact Meachen, whose success came courtesy of a 170kg second lift, only returned to powerlifting last March.

Twenty years had elapsed since he last trained and the kitchen fitter and plumber, of Ramsey Road, Harwich, told the Standard: “I’m so glad and very chuffed I made that decision.

“It was an unbelievable few days, starting with my success at the weekend.

“I thought I might possibly be able to get third spot but ended up coming first in my Masters One category (for competitors aged 40 to 50), in the 75 kilos and under division, and then second in the Open.

“That was good enough but then to cap it off I received that e-mail on Monday.

“It was a real surprise but very exciting and a great opportunity.

“It will be my first international competition so it’s a bit daunting.

“Everything has happened so quickly but I really can’t wait.”

Meachen is thrilled to be powerlifting again after two decades away from the sport.

“I didn’t do it at a particularly high level before and just took part in local competitions,” said the former pupil at Harwich Primary School and The Harwich School.

“But I’ve always looked for other people’s results and thought they were achievements I could match.”

Meachen paid tribute to his coach, reigning World Masters Two champion Cliff Haynes, who puts him through his paces at Hamiltons Fitness Centre in Colchester.

“I wouldn’t have achieved what I achieved in the last few days without him,” he said.

“His knowledge, experience and training has benefited me no end and I’m very thankful.”

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