Robert lifts a bronze in Africa

A Hamilton man has thanked his family and friends for their support after winning bronze at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in South Africa.

Robert Macaulay (24) was“over the moon”this week after lifting his final bench press of 185kg to take third place.

The Burnbank man was able to be part of Team Scotland thanks to funding support from sponsors RGM Roofing, Trojan Building Contracts and Joint Venture Scaffolding.

A former pupil at St John Ogilvie High, Robert, who only took up powerlifting 10 months ago, has been in rigorous training six days a week to make sure he was at his strongest for the competition.

Robert, who spoke to the Advertiser from South Africa said: “I can’t get my head round the fact I’m bringing bronze home to Scotland. It’s a dream come true.

“I really couldn’t have done it without the support and motivation from my friends and family. “I’m completely over the moon.” After qualifying for the championships back in July with a 175 kg lift, the trainee personal trainer had only eight weeks to secure funding to enable him to purchase the specific equipment required to compete in the competition, plus flights, accommodation and accessories.

Robert, who trains at the Hostile Strength and Conditioning gym in Flemington, Motherwell, added: “A huge thank you to my sponsors as without their financial help I wouldn’t have got here to take part in the championships.”