ENGLAND powerlifter Elliot Stone claimed a superb haul of two gold medals at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in Potchefstroom, South Africa.

Stone, 23, from Weymouth, also claimed a silver and bronze in a hugely successful appearance for his country.

The Future Physiques lifter won golds in the squat and bench press, a silver overall and a bronze in the deadlift.

Among his huge lifts was a British record 207.5kg for the squat in his under-66kg category, a 125kg bench press and a 212.5kg deadlift, giving him a whopping 545kg total.

Having tied for first, Stone lost out by virtue of a heavier bodyweight, but he told Echosport he was “honoured” to have represented his country.

He said: “It was difficult, I learnt a lot. It was a great experience going over there. To get national competition experience was great.

“I felt honoured really to represent your country. We had a great team and I think England took a lot of medals.”

Stone also revealed how a change in strategy cost him overall gold.

He said: “I went over there with a gameplan and unfortunately I didn’t stick to it, which caused me to miss my last bench and deadlift, which then cost me first place.

“Apart from that I’m really happy with how it went.”

Speaking of his future ambitions, Stone has targeted a place in the Great Britain squad ahead of the European and World Championships.

He said: “I’m lifting as a junior in the under-66kg category. It’s my final year before I go into the open men’s category next year. Your last year of juniors is the year you turn 23.

“I’m feeling really confident, I’ve got the junior British Championships in eight weeks and I’m hoping to outshine the men to get into the British team next year.”