Lifter claims first medal at European Championships

James Brincat-Smith helped Great Britain to a bronze medal at the European Masters Equipped Championships in Pilsen, Czech Republic.

He finished fourth overall in the men’s 120kg-plus category and won an individual bronze in the squat section after lifting a personal best 302.5kg.

Brincat-Smith, 42, of Newark, also achieved a 217.5kg bench press and 255kg deadlift.
Competing against the best in the world, he was pleased to give a good account of himself.

“I achieved everything I set out to. I got my first medal, so it was a case of a job well done,” Brincat-Smith said.

“My partner, Julie, was a rock throughout the week and made sure I was well prepared to do so well.

“I had a good coach in Dean Bowring, a multiple world champion. He was great with me on the day.

“Apparently I was the talk of Europe after the competition, so I cannot wait to go back and see how I will do.”

Brincat-Smith will now start preparations for the European Masters Equipped Bench Press Championships in Luxembourg in October