Sponsored by
Local strongmen excel
An 18-year-old from Bircotes hopes to one day be crowned The World's Strongest Man after breaking five British powerlifting records in his first three tournaments.
Jordan Haycock, 18, started powerlifting back in August 2009 as a supplement to his intense gym work, however, since then he has broken British records at every tournament he has entered.
At his first competition in May he managed to break the British record for his total lifts when he hoisted 505kg.
He would go on to break his own record when competing at Ashington in June, taking the British total lifts record to 540kg, whilst also beating the individual British squat record with an effort of 180kg.
Both of these were broken again at only his third tournament at the beginning of this month, when he set the bar at 545kg for total lifts and 190kg for his squat.
Jordan's mother, Tina, said: "We're just so proud of him."
"He's got so much determination and enthusiasm. That's how he's come so far in such a short space of time."
Haycock trains six days a week, either at his local Lister's Gym on the Brunel Park Industrial Estate, Harworth, or at the Doncaster All Rounder Power Lifting Club in Adwick.
He also has to stick to a strict diet that includes protein drinks, pasta, tuna and chicken to improve his physical strength.
The teenager manages to juggle a day job alongside his strict training regime, working at Hird Rail, where he helps to repair and move railway sleepers.
His inspiration came from watching The World's Strongest Man as a child, with the dream of one day being able to own that plaudit.
"We always thought he was joking, but with the progress he's made in such a small time anything is possible," said Mrs Haycock.
Her son's next tournament is in Adwick in September, where he will again try to beat his own British records.
Currently the dream of being The World's Strongest Man is on hold after advice from competitor Darren Sadler, who told him not to rush into the competition and advised the Bircotes youngster to stick with powerlifting in the meantime to build up his strength.
Haycock will be eligible to enter under 18 competitons until the end of the year, when he will have to make the step up to the higher grades.
His mum added: "The main thing is that he is enjoying it."
"He is very dedicated to powerlifting and always gives it his all."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
A SUCCESSFUL bodybuilder from Worksop is going back into competition, having spent two years on the sidelines.
Russell Freakley is currently training to get back on the big stage so he can regain his former titles, after two years out through injury.
Freakley has been away from the circuit since complications from torn ligaments in his lower back led to him being sidelined with pancreatitis.
Though he will have the condition for the rest of his life, he now has his illness under control and is ready to re-enter competitive bodybuilding.
Freakley told the Guardian he is dedicated to bodybuilding: "I eat, sleep and breath it."
"There is nothing I want do more than compete."
He counts this comeback as his greatest achievement, even greater than his win in 2008's Mr Britain competition, as doctors said he would never be able to lead a normal life, let alone return to competitive bodybuilding.
His return to training has been met with massive support, including the backing of a nutritional sponsor in the form of Ultralife.
He has also written columns on bodybuilding, the latest of which may be published in top American magazine Muscular Development.
Freakley said: "It's been really overwhelming."
"The support I've received has been fantastic. My career has really taken off again."
The 35 year-old is well known in bodybuilding circles and he says he is regularly complemented on his physique.
"I have a unique package," he said.
"I have a low amount of body fat, which is quite rare for a tall man like me."
He says his aim is to go as far as he can in competitions with the elusive Mr Universe title, for which he was second in 2007, being the ultimate goal.
Freakley said: "I've always been told to never give up and never quit."
"I owe my comeback to my mum, who always taught me to keep trying."
"If I was unable to compete I would still want to be involved somehow," he added.
Freakley started bodybuilding at the age of 15, after his doctor advised him that it would widen his ribcage, and subsequently help improve his asthma.
He now trains for three hours everyday, doing half an hour of cardio in the morning before going to work, and then doing a further two hours of weights and half an hour of cardio in the evening.
Yet he amazingly also manages to hold down a day job as a bus driver for TM Travel, which means he spends up to 10 hours a day driving before then going to the gym.
He trains regularly at Worksop's Bodyline Fitness Studio, as well as Lister's Universal gym in Harworth, to get himself fit enough to compete at the highest level.
Freakley expressed his gratitude to everyone who has supported him on the comeback trail.
"I would like to thank everyone, especially my girlfriend, Sarah, who helps me train and keeps me to a strict diet."
"I owe great credit to Greg Brown who frequently helps me train at Worksop's Bodyline gym and Chris Simms, of Dawson's Fish and Chip Shop, who supplies me with the fish for my diet."
Freakley's first tournament back will see him try to regain his Mr England title, which will secure him a place in the Mr Universe finals, where he will take on the world's finest.
The Mr England tournament will take place at Brierley Hill on Sunday 26th September.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Worksop
Sunday 05 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: -1 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North
