POWERLIFTER Gary Conway has targeted more success after winning his first world title.

The 53-year-old from Bevere, Worcester, won the bench press discipline at the World Drug Free Powerlifting Single Lift Championships in Antwerp, Belgium.

He successfully lifted 137.5kg in the 82.5kg category for over 50s to finish ahead of his closest rival from France and take the crown. Conway, also the reigning British unequipped bench press champion for the British Drug Free Powerlifting Association and International Powerlifting Federation, said: “It was quite comfortable.

“I put all my faith in one of the coaches there who decided how much I was going to lift. I didn’t know what I was going to lift until I got on the platform. It went really well because I went back to the warm-up room and did 145kg but winning is the main thing, not so much what you lift.

“It was very good, a well-run event and thoroughly enjoyable. I was glad to win the trophy and carried it home with pride.”

Conway, who trains at Butlers Health and Fitness in Farrier Street, added: “It gives you that incentive to carry on. I have had British titles before and regional titles around the UK but it’s the first time for a world title so I am very pleased.

“I only decided to do the bench press because of some back problems but next year I think I will go for the squat and deadlift as well.”

Conway was also a member of the England squad that won the overall team competition.