Triple crown is just the lift for Mandeep
You may struggle to recall world champions from Walsall but, fear not, Mandeep Shergill is making waves in the world of powerlifting.
Inside a year of competing competitively, Shergill is both UK and World champion at junior level (aged 20-23 category).
He's looking to make it a triple crown as he heads out to Italy for September's European Championships.
Keeping fit and lifting weights is not just a part-time sport for Shergill, he also works as a personal trainer at the Alexander Stadium.
The 20-year-old student said: "I used to train in the gym there just as a hobby. But the manager saw me and said you need to start competing.
"Within a few months I had qualified from the local tournaments and ended up winning the UK title."
The sport consists of three separate lifts, squat, bench press and a deadlift. Shergill, who competes in the -90kg category, confesses his speciality is the squat lift.
He said: "I'm only 5ft 11in, not a particularly big guy, but I have a lot of power in my legs. My record squat is 245kg. My dad was a powerlifter, so I guess it came through that.
"The family are so supportive. They are at every event watching me. Back at the gym they treat me like a superstar. I'm lucky to be massively supported."
But Shergill, who is coached by former British champion Steve Keenan, admits he will not be continuing in powerlifting for too much longer.
He said: "Maybe one more year or so. But my aim is in bodybuilding. The competitions in that are much bigger than powerlifting."
But for now, Shergill is gearing up for the Europeans in Italy, saying: "The worlds were held in Telford this year, but Italy will be something else.
"I'm fortunate to be supported by my sponsors, Progains meal preparations and Wootz clothing."
