A Worcester Park weighlifter has won a national weightlifting title despite only taking up the sport two years ago.

Peter Cardona, of Oaks Avenue, took the UK Masters Weightlifting Championship snatched the title in the under 77kg M3 category for lifters aged 45-49 in Kilwinning, North Ayrshire earlier this month.

But although relatively new to the sport the 46-year-old feels he can keep improving and competing well into his fifties.

Mr Cardona, who trains up to four times a week in his own gym, said: “I’ve always kept fit through things like boxing and tennis but in the last two-and-a-half-years I’ve really got into my weightlifting.

“Because I started the sport later in life, I think I’ve got a lot of room to improve. At first I was able to lift my own body weight and then I got to the 100kg mark which was a real achievement.

“The pressure in competition is a lot different though and it really pushes you to train harder and watch your diet.”

Lifters had to take part in two disciplines, the snatch and the clean and jerk, in order to win the championship.

In the snatch, the lifter has to hoist the weight above the head in a straight lift in one movement whereas in the clean and jerk, the weight can be rested across their shoulders before pushing the bar above the head.

Louie Cardona, Peter’s son and an aspiring actor, said he was “very proud” at his dad’s achievement and praised his “Rocky Balboa” spirit.

Having secured his first UK title, Mr Cardona wants to keep training and improving and hopes to win the European and World Championships in the future.

The former boxer also provides individual and group training for those who want to try out the sport.

So, if you are aged 18-70 and want to get fitter and stronger email Peter at jackiecardona@hotmail.co.uk or call 07773 056 135.

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