LAWFORD powerlifter Joe Strike made it a hat-trick of victories at the Junior British Bench Press Championship.

The 18-year-old, last year’s Tendring Male Sports Personality Award winner, was successful in the 59kg bodyweight category, weighing in at 55.2kg.

It was the third year in a row he has won this weight division.

“We are all very proud of Joe and his remarkable achievements,” said dad David.

“He has a learning difficulty, autism, ADHD and dyspraxia, but is a champion in the mainstream sport.

“He seems to go from strength to strength.”

Strike, who lives in Constable Close and trains with the East Bergholt-based Suffolk Spartans, opened with a safe lift of 77.5kg, at the championship in Horncastle.

This settled his nerves, before managing a new personal best of 85kg.

For his third lift, he could have increased his personal best, going for 87.5kg.

However, he decided to have an attempt at the junior British record of 91kg.

Unfortunately, he was unable to fully lock out his arms but it was still a tremendous effort and a record he has in his sights for future competitions.

This competition has put Strike in a good position to qualify for the Powerlifting Commonwealth Games, being held later this year in Canada.