Newson takes Junior World Title in style

At her first IPC Powerlifting World Championships, Zoe Newson (Suffolk Spartans), found herself the youngest lifter there, undaunted by this she looked confident with her opening lift of 77.50kg in the 40kg category, which put her into 5^th place at the end of the first round in the Senior World Championships and 1st in the Juniors.  She then put a further 5kg on the bar, going up to 82.5kg and again looked good with all three referees giving it as a good lift.  With the lifter from Vietnam, Thai Hong Nguyen missing at 85kg, Zoe went into 4^th overall.    Going into the 3^rd round Zoe was already confirmed as Junior World Champion and was looking to equal her Junior European Record with a lift of 85kg, unfortunately she was given a no lift, if she had lifted it she would have been on an equal total with Tiecan Fu (CHN) in third place however Fu would still have taken Bronze in the Senior Championships as she had the lighter body weight.    Zoe stated that 'I am really happy to have won Gold today and be crowned the World Junior Champion, its been a great experience, and will help me for the Commonwealth Games in October'.  Zoe was coached by her Personal Coach Louise Pennell and supported by Great Britain Squad Coach, Dan Wagner.  Further information can be found on the Suffolk Spartans website  www.suffolkspartans.co.uk.

Adam Alderman also made his debut today, for Great Britain in the 48kg class as a senior lifter.  He was successful with his first lift of 127.5kg, and found himself in direct competition with Yingguo Xiao (CHN)  who also opened with a good lift at 127.5kg.  Both then went up to 132.5kg wih Alderman getting his on a 2-1 referees decision and Xiao failing on a 2-1 against.  This 2nd lift for Alderman was a PB in an IPC ranked event.  Knowing that 135kg would be enough to beat the Chinese athlete, Alderman attacked the bar but was unlucky not the get the lift.  Xiao was successful with his 3^rd attempt at 132.5kg beating Alderman on body weight, both athletes finished 8^th and 9^th respectively.   The event was won by Omar Qarada, setting a World Record of 173kg in the process.  Adam was coached by Great Britain Head Coach, Nicola Vaughan-Ellis and supported by Great Britain Squad Coach, Dan Wagner.

Natalie Blake (52kg) lifts tomorrow afternoon.