A TEENAGER from Holyhead had an “amazing experience” competing in the Junior Powerlifting Championships in Romania last week, taking third place in his weight class.

Lucas Williams, 18, won the bronze medal at the championships, in Cluj-Napoca, for his under-83kg weight category, just missing out on second place by 2.5kg (silver went to USA, gold to New Zealand).

Having been self-trained up until he competed in the British Championships earlier this year, Lucas said this was his “biggest achievement so far”.

He said: “It was an amazing experience; this has been my biggest achievement so far.

“I was pleased with third, because my original goal was the top three, and I wasn’t extremely happy with my performance, just because I knew I had more in me.

North Wales Chronicle: Lucas Williams competing in RomaniaLucas Williams competing in Romania (Image: Lucas Williams)

“Next year, I’ll be moving up to under-23s, so the competition will be a lot higher. I’ll have to up my game a lot.

“I’m going to take seven to eight months off from competing now, and get as strong as I can before my next competition, which will be the British Junior Championships at the end of April 2024.

“The reaction back home since I got back has been very positive; a lot of people have passed on their congratulations.”

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Lucas’ mum, Dawn, also hailed her son’s achievements in Romania.

Previously, he won the Welsh Championships in Cardiff, and then the British Championships in Solihull.

She said: “He has only been going to the gym for two years, and training in powerlifting for 18 months.

“Lucas funded his hobby and travel expenses by valeting cars in his spare time, and has had no financial help from anyone, with the exception of close family members.

“He is now the strongest Welsh, British, and until the European Championships in five weeks, European sub-junior 83kg.”