The father and coach of the youngest weightlifter ever to compete in the UK has defended his son’s involvement despite being aged just four years old.

Despite his young years, Dallas Nourse already some experience under his belt having competed, and won, at the Surrey Championships last year aged two years old.

Nourse, a member of Sutton & Epsom Olympic Weightlifting Club, went on to represent Great Britain at the International Grand Prix in Austria last month.

And it was a winning appearance as the youngster made six out of six successful lifts to snatch 7kg and clean and jerk 11kg to claim the U10 and U40kg title.

Dad Phil has responded to criticism that it is too early to expose athletes to the “meathead” world of competitive weightlifting.

“Olympic weightlifting is a much misunderstood sport and we are acutely aware that there are many misconceptions regarding young children training for and competing,” he said.

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One for the future: Four-year-old Dallas Nourse

“Dallas is a wonderful little athlete and from a very young age he fell in love with weightlifting.

“He wants to train and he wants to compete, and on the days he isn't keen on training no one forces him.”

He added: “Olympic weightlifting has far more in common with gymnastics than the 'meathead' world people often lump it in with.

“The sport is about flexibility, courage, speed and dynamism and while we quote the weights lifted, in reality, with children our focus is wholly upon teaching perfect technique, building confidence and ensuring they have fun, not about lifting huge weights.

“This competition was a great experience for Dallas and competing on this kind of stage can only develop his confidence for the future.”

For more information on the club go to suttonweightlifting.com.

 

Little star: Dallas Nourse in action at the International Grand Prix in May