Swindon Barbell had a team of 3 at the English Bench press champs this weekend:
- Christie Civetta in the -72k class
- Matt Watson in the -93k class
- Dawid Wozniak in the -105k class
Christie Civetta placed 2nd in the -72kg class at the English Bench Press Championships this past weekend. She opened on a smooth 75kg, continued to 80kg, and ended with a competition Personal Best of 85kg, a solid 13kg over her body weight, officially breaking the South West -72kg category bench-only record.
She was supported by Swindon Barbell’s Head Coach Charlie Shotton-Gale, and Assistant Coach Matt Watson who also lifted that day.
Matt fought hard for a bronze medal but just missed out however still achieved a huge 17.5k personal best in his bench with a final lift of 150k.
Dawid, who was being coached by Head Coach Charlie Shotton-Gale, opened up on exactly the same weight as his main competitor, Joseph Wicks, for the silver medal, however, Dawid has the advantage of being 0.5k lighter. After they both achieved the same second attempt of 162.5k Coach Charlie put in 170k for his third, after seeing Joseph had already put in 170k and knowing she had 2 changes to change that weight before going out. As the third attempt grew closer Coach Charlie saw Joseph upped his third attempt to 172.5k as this was the lowest weight he could attempt for the silver medal. Coach Charlie watched every one of Dawid’s and Joseph’s lifts and opted to reduce Dawid’s third to 167.5k truly believing this would win Dawid silver if Joseph failed the 172.5k.
Dawid pressed 167.5k like it was his opening attempt, fast and easy. He was so incredibly pleased how much his strength had come on. Both Dawid and Coach Charlie stood watching eagerly as Joseph stepped up for his 172.5k and as he pressed the bar up from his chest it descended back down again, ever so slightly, but 2 of the 3 referees also saw this movement and failed him 2:1.
Meaning Dawid won the Silver medal and his highest ever national ranking.
Coming up next for Swindon Barbell:
- Coach Charlie competes in the British Classic Powerlifting Championships in which she has battling against some incredibly strong opposition to retain her third classic national title
- The club are hosting their first, official, Powerlifting Championships on August 12th The South West Bitesize
- They continue to work to improve the health and strength of Wiltshire through club sessions, novice sessions and powerlifting clubs in schools and colleges.
For more information check out Swindon Barbell on Facebook and Instagram or visit our website www.swindonbarbell.com
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