IT is gearing up to be a busy 2017 for Weymouth-born Luke Tolman who is making quite a name for himself in the global powerlifting circuit after breaking four world records last weekend.

The 17-year-old, who fuels himself on 4,200 calories a day, was taking part in a British Powerlifting Union competition in Folkstone which was a qualifier for the 2017 European Championships, which take place in June.

Because it was an international event, Tolman was eligible to compete with the world’s best and smashed the records for the T2 (16-17-year-old) category in the 90kg weight class, weighing it at 87kg.

He succeeded with a 212.5kg squat, a 170kg bench press and a 260kg deadlift, which also won him the total word record.

Speaking of his introduction into the world of weight-lifting, his story wasn’t much different to many other teenage boys.

He laughed: “As a kid I used to watch a lot of wrestling, and at one point that was my goal, I just wanted to be a wrestler!

“When I was around 14 years old, I got given a weight set, so for a year I just trained in my room and watched videos on YouTube researching how to get bigger and stronger. After that I started going to New Body.”

Tolman now works as a personal trainer at New Body gym in Weymouth, alongside fellow power-lifting heavyweight, Carly Lawes.

He said: “There were quite a few powerlifters training there when I started and they suggested that I compete so I did my first competition on November 27 last year in London.

“That was also a qualifier and I took four Great British records, so it’s going fairly well so far!

“Carly has helped me massively. We often train together so it’s good to have her around.

“Shane Flowers, a personal trainer here has also helped me massively. He has such a wealth of knowledge and because he’s also a competitive powerlifter. If I have any questions I go to him quite a lot of the time.”

It’s gearing up to be a busy 2017 for Luke, who has also qualified for the British Championships in September, but he is determined to remain focussed on what’s to come first.

He said: “The next event is Body Power which is a huge fitness expo in Birmingham which takes place in May, so I’ll be competing there and then, if I get the opportunity to be sponsored, I’ll be able to go and compete in the European Championships in Finland in June.

Tolman would also like to say thank you to all of the members of staff at New Body for their support, George from Nutri-Go for providing his nutrition.

For more information on the teenage star, visit his Instagram @luke_tolman_ for his latest fitness updates.

If you would like to sponsor Tolman in his journey to the European Championships in Finland, please contact ltfitnessforce2015@gmail.com