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Gary Clarke
I got involved in the sport of disabled Power lifting towards
the end of 2000. The BWAD was giving a demonstration at the Birmingham NEC,
people were invited up to have a go, I had been keen on weight training for a
number of years previous, this was to go an opportunity to pass. I stepped up
the coach said that I showed good technique for a beginner.
I was then invited to my first ever competition the following February (2001), I
was pleased with the outcome, I got all three of my lifts in including a rare
forth lift, this lift was 82.5kg which was more then I had previously lifted in
training, to follow I was awarded the David smith memorial trophy for the most
improved lifter.
I have greatly privileged to represent Great Britain in three international
competitions the first being in Oklahoma where I obtained a silver medal
(2001) I then went to Oklahoma again in 2003 and achieved a bronze, this was
followed by a competition in New Zealand later that year where I also achieved a
bronze placing.
I have always trained with great passion and self belief, I know this is the
only way to achieve anything in life; I must believe I myself, without this
everything I am will dwindle away and die.
I will not do anything by halves, if you go into the train then I train with
total conviction, I will put everything I have into every training session
otherwise there is no point in being there. It is my life, its I get out of bed
for in the morning, besides my family being well, nothing else pleases me as
much in life.
My overall goal is to represent great Britain at further
competitions, I will do everything I can to go the Paralympics, I believe this
is possible I must grab the bull by the horns and go forth and be the best that
I can possibly be. I will not sit back in years come with any regrets!