Judge has the power to impress

Mark Judge: British bench press age group champion

STRONGMAN Mark Judge won his category in the National Bench Press Championships — after never intending to enter.

Mark, who trains at Viking Fitness in Lees, was signed up for the contest automatically after qualifying for the British Powerlifting Championships.

He came top of his category, the 50-60 age group weighing 74-83kg, to claim his first medal.

Mark said: “This is something I’ve always been interested in, but I’d only done weights before.

“All credit goes to Viking: they’ve been brilliant and taught me how to do things properly.

“Put your mind to it and you can start lifting weights you never even dreamed of.”

Mark follows a strict diet and training routine, as well as visiting a physio every week, and claimed this is the key to his success.

“It can be hard but you’ve got to condition and diet properly or it will affect you,” he said.

Mark, who has been training under Wayne Carter at Viking Fitness for the last 12 months,

visits the gym up to five times a week, as well as working full-time for British Gas.

Mark (51) said: “Training has been immense as Wayne is tough and regimented, but he’s adjusted my techniques fantastically.”

Coach Wayne praised Mark’s commitment, calling him “an inspiration to everyone”.

“He’s in absolutely fantastic condition and there’s not a nicer man around.

“His number one goal in life is to achieve some accreditation in a sport he loves.”

Mark, who lives in Mossley, is now on a training programme ahead of the forthcoming British Powerlifting Championships in Northumberland.