WEYMOUTH powerlifter Nigel Orme stormed to his fourth consecutive British title at the Bodypower show in Birmingham, smashing two British records in the process. 

Orme, 57, competing in the men’s M4 category for athletes ages between 55 and 59, lifted 90kg in the squat, 85kg in the bench and 145kg in the deadlift.

But he narrowly missed out on a clean sweep of records after failing to lock his arms out on a 90kg bench attempt. 

The New Body Fitness lifter was in fine form though, and also guaranteed his place at the World Championships in Manchester in three months, justifying his decision to delay retirement. 

Orme, speaking to Echosport, admitted his performance had surpassed his expectations. 

He said: “My back is ruined at the moment! I went in there with plans to do just enough, it was easy to get caught up in it with going for British records. 

“I thought I could have had all three but I did far better than I went there to do.”

Despite a long day, travelling to the NEC, Orme said his main goal was to achieve qualification to the worlds.

“We had to be up at four to drive there and then my last lift was 5.30 in the afternoon. We did our three lifts on the squat, then we had an hour and a half to the bench so it was a long day.

“I topped up each record by five (kilos) and the bench I equalled. The whole point was to try to qualify for the worlds, that’s guaranteed now, so I should get my invite in the next few days. 

“I’ve achieved what I wanted, which was the world champs invite,” he said. 

And Orme is keen to impress in Manchester, with a full 12 weeks to improve his lifting marks. 

He said: “I had a word with my bosses and they’re quite happy for me to go so that’s all turned out alright. I’m hoping to break British records.

“I was lifting more in the M3 group and I’ve got a full 12 weeks to get back to what I was lifting.”

He added: “It’s going to be a bit special. I went with Great Britain to Portugal and competed and the team spirit was brilliant, but to have it on home soil will be a bit special. 

“I don’t know whether it will happen again, so I’m looking forward to that. The spirit at this one was amazing. Normally when you lift you don’t hear people talking, but it was so loud.

“That’s one of the reasons why I do like the powerlifting – everyone supports everyone. Even when someone struggles they seem to shout louder, it’s incredible.”