London+SE U18 and U23 Championships

Woking's Weightlifting club these days looks like a can of sardines, but the 'fish' are far from dead. In spite of the cramped conditions in which they train in the leisure centre, they still produce great results.

In the London and South East under 18 and under 23 championships last weekend Lauren Bettes-Bucke won the u. 23 58 kg class and qualified for the British championship.

Tom Chalcraft won the u.18 69 class and also will be at the British under 18's. He is better known as a Rugby playing international.

Jade Hill, just 15 made the same total as a London girl but was slightly heavier and so took second place in the 58 under 18 class.

New discovery Kirstie Freeburn had the misfortune to be up against the sensational Zoe Smith, Britain's most Powerful girl, and had to be content with second.

Chi Chea is now 14 and has to compete against much older boys, but he made personal bests: Snatch 52 and Clean & jerk 70 at 50 k bodyweight to claim second place in the under 18 56 class.

Malcolm Jones is from the Isle of Wight and has to travel 2 hours each way to train at Woking, a journey he can make only rarely. He improved on all his bests but was well below the standard of the under 18 winner in the 105 kg. class. However the club coach is sure he can improve dramatically. Regrettably there are no facilities on the Isle.

There are more young lifters on the Woking conveyor belt but not all could make this event.