A YOUNG powerlifter has been selected to represent Great Britain.

Chris Marshall began powerlifting training at Meadowfield Leisure Centre just a year ago and has been selected for the GB team competing in the European championships in Denmark next month and worlds in Belarus in June.

The 17-year-old, who switched from bodybuilding last year, was chosen after impressing selectors at the British Junior Championships.

Lifting in the under-59 kg class, Chris caught the attention of scouts at his very first competition, a divisional Push/Pull (bench press and deadlift) competition held in Durham.

After competing at divisional championships and British juniors, he holds a grand total of 17 divisional records as well as two British bench press records.

Shaun Clough, strength and conditioning coach at Meadowfield Leisure Centre, said: “We wish Chris every success with the national team and are confident he will be an important addition to the British team’s attempts to secure medals at international level.”