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Cookridge powerlifter is British champion and record breaker
He doesn't look your average powerlifter and he's only been in the sport four months but Cookridge's own Paul Cooper is already a British champion and record breaker.
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The 34-year-old took up powerlifting in March and two months later, in his first competition, he lifted 145kg – more than twice his own bodyweight of 71kg.
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He was crowned British Powerlifting Federation Bench Press Champion in Birmingham and a month later, at his second competition, he lifted 148kg – breaking the British Bench Press record of 147kg in Doncaster.
The teacher has since lifted 155kg in training, so he is hoping to break his own record in his third competition in Doncaster again in August.
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The dad of two competes in the 75kg category, against men of a similar weight.
But at 5ft 9in he is taller than most powerlifters, who tend to be short and wide.
He admitted: "I don't look like a powerlifter."
He actually looks more like a runner, which is no wonder because for 18 years he excelled in a completely different discipline.
He represented England Schools as a young 800m runner, won the Yorkshire county championships for 12 consecutive years and competed at a national level for 18 years.
He retired from athletics five years ago because of injury then took up gruelling mountain marathons, running 30miles on two successive days, camping out on the hilltops in between.
The head of year seven said: "It's a complete changearound, from one end of the spectrum to the other.
"Powerlifting is pure strength and the other stuff was pure endurance."
He added: " I've just fallen into powerlifting but I'm really enjoying it.
"I love the fact that it's different to what I've done before and I love the fact that there's a great camaraderie and a great atmosphere."
He had always enjoyed lifting weights in the school gym as part of his fitness training but once he finished running around six months ago, he started taking it more seriously and before he knew it he was getting stronger and stronger.
When friends suggested he should compete, he joined Steelman Powerlifting Club in Churwell, one of the most successful clubs in Yorkshire – founded by club coach and owner Barrie Nelson, with former European bench press champion Phil Stringer.
And Mr Cooper credits Barrie's coaching as a major reason for his rapid success. "If it wasn't for his guidance I don't think I would have done what I've done."
He trains twice a week at Churwell and still works out in the school gym in the mornings.
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