Keenan battles his way to be best in world...
The countdown is on – less than two weeks to get your Proud of Barnsley nominations in!
WITH numerous world, European and British titles under his belt, record-breaking powerlifter Keenan Freer has come a long way since he was kicked out of his home and off his college course at 16.
He may only be 23 now but working as a personal trainer and with powerlifting ambitions to turn professional next year, the young dad who, as a teenager dabbled with drugs and, at his lowest, contemplated suicide, is keen to demonstrate how fitness can help if you’re struggling.
“I really wanted to show people that fitness can help.
“I haven’t had it easy and have faced a lot of challenges and problems in my life but I take one day at a time and fitness helps me to keep a positive outlook and to keep smiling,” said Keenan, who has been nominated in the Triumph Over Adversity category in the Proud of Barnsley awards.
Keenan, who is autistic, said: “I love being a personal trainer – I do a lot of online coaching as well as one-to-one training in the gym and I have worked with a few autistic people as well as some who are suffering with stress.
“It’s important to me as I didn’t have a lot of support when I was younger and going through problems.”
Keenan started his fitness career as an apprentice at Titan Fitness at Wath which he said at the time ‘saved him’ giving him the opportunity to get out of his flat and put his mind to something.
He then tried working in a call centre and on sites but returned to the fitness industry: “My autism meant that working a nine to five job just wasn’t for me but once I returned to fitness training I realised this was my niche.
“And I am already planning for next year with powerlifting tournaments lined up and I am also in the process of setting up a website.
“I lost my nannan recently and I had promised her that I would go professional so that is something I need to make happen now.
“I was really shocked when I learned that I had been nominated for an award, I just can’t get over it but I am really grateful that someone nominated me.”