A FITNESS trainer from Leominster will be representing England next month in the sport of kettlebells.

Nerijus Zukauskas has been selected to compete in France between November 25 and 28 at the Kettlebells World Championships.

The Leominster lifter will be competing in the veteran category (aged 40+) at marathon (60 minutes non-stop) lift.

Kettlebell Sport lifting is a repetitive weight lifting sport performed with kettlebells in a given period of time.

"I always had passion for kettlebells but started competing about three and a half years ago," said Zukauskas.

"This is when I got to meet loads of more great people with the same passion.

"I run my own small business NJ Fitness Conditioning where we have got a nice bunch of people training with us.

"We lift kettlebells and do much more all around full body conditioning indoors and outdoors.

"There is nothing better when you get together and travel to various venues to compete/challenge yourself at this amazing kettlebell sport.

"It is not only a physical but mental challenge too."

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic putting a halt to live events the kettlebell sport continued online.

"You do your lift, record it, upload it," added Zukauskas.

"That really helped to stay sane."

The Kettlebell World Championship is based on events over half marathon (30min), marathon (60min), pentathlon (five different 6min lifts).

The event is organised by the international kettlebell marathon federation (IKMF).

Zukauskas was selected to compete in the event after picking up ranking points from his performances at previous events.

He would like to see more people taking up the sport in Herefordshire.

"The best thing is that you are never too old for it as there are many different age groups," he said.

"You can even be as young as eight years old."