The Solent University student powerlifting team has taken home a gold medal at a national powerlifting tournament.

Powerlifting talent from universities across England gathered at Cardiff University for the BUCS Powerlifting Championships.

Four emerging athletes from Solent University’s Solent Strength Club competed against their peers, with club president, Joshua Smith, rising victorious with a gold medal.

Business Management student Joshua beat the competition to finish the championship with impressive wins in 265kg squats, 190.5kg bench, and 305kg deadlift.

His three successes led him to gold.

The Solent student said: “Winning BUCS is such an incredible feeling, having set breaking the British university bench press record as my main goal when preparing for this competition.

"But having come out of it winning fills me with pride.

“I started powerlifting just before I started at Solent, so having my club and the University guide me through my journey is very heart-warming; to know I have a good support group with me.”

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Joshua said he is looking forward to being able to represent the university in July when he will be going to the university world championships in Estonia.

Competing alongside Joshua on April 28 were Sport and Exercise students Maisie Sweeney, Connor Clayton and Luis Canova, all from Solent University.

Ian Molyneux, Sport Development Officer, said:  “This level of success is further indication of the importance of a well-supported sports program here at Solent.

“Students continue to come to Solent University to further their studies and compete in their chosen sport at the highest level, and this shows how important the program is to our students and the University.

“Joshua’s success in the BUCS Powerlifting Championships is no easy task and to take home gold is vindication of the huge amount of hours he has dedicated to his craft.”

Solent University is recognised by the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme for its work supporting student athletes to excel in both academia and sport.