A NORTH-EAST kettlebell athlete is preparing to represent England in the world championships.

Steven Gordon, 26, from Darlington, is part of the 12-strong squad selected to compete at the International Union of Kettlebell Lifting Championships in Hamburg, from November 20 to 24.

Mr Gordon, who owns a kettlebell training centre in Darlington, has progressed quickly since he began competing three years ago.

He has stepped up from 24kg to 32kg bells since the 2013 World Championships held in Tyumen, Russia.

He said: “Since last year I have moved from amateur to professional and I would like to think I have improved in all aspects of my lifting.

“I have learnt a lot more about the preparation that is required to lift 32kg bells, in terms of nutrition and sleep."

He also organised an international competition in Darlington earlier this year, held at the Education Village, Darlington.

Mr Gordon’s major debut at 32kg saw a fourth place finish at this year’s European Championships in St Petersburg, Russia.

He will compete against athletes from across the world in the Long Cycle category, in Germany, a ten minute long endurance event that demands both mental and physical fortitude.

Competitors raise a pair of identical weights from knee level above their head, using sound technique as many times as possible.

Mr Gordon coaches four members of the England squad, including Stockton’s Simon Trenholm

This is the first time England has sent a squad to an international kettlebell event.

Originating in Russia, the sport of kettlebell has steadily grown over recent years, with 400 competitors expected at the championships in Hamburg.