A WEIGHTLIFTING journey which began when he was 16 years old has resulted in a Herefordshire grandad winning a British title.

Geoff Bryce, from Hereford, was recently crowned the British Masters Weightlifting Championship for over 75’s.

He began his journey by attaching a few bricks to a broomstick aged 16, before joining a weightlifting club.

In 1966, he was invited to a promising junior weightlifters club at Crystal Palace Sports Centre. He broke the British deadlift record at just 19-years-old, in front of over 2,000 people in Taunton a year later.

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His sporting exploits didn’t end there, as his speed was set to be utilised on the Team GB Winter Olympic Bobsleigh Team – this didn’t materialise in the end due to injury.

His passion for weightlifting never wavered though, but after a shock incident earlier this century, Bryce's life would change forever.

“My much-wanted British Weightlifting title eluded me, and health problems put my efforts on ice," he said.

"Sixteen years ago, I suffered a heart attack during which I was clinically dead (heart stopped beating and I had to be resuscitated).

"Over succeeding years, I underwent open-heart surgery for heart bypasses and heart valve repairs.

“On one occasion I was advised to contact my family as I was not expected to survive the night.”

A cardiac ablation operation was successful, and Bryce returned to better health – and decided to strengthen his heart by weightlifting, and last month picked up the aforementioned title.

He does accredit his biggest success to his grandson, who is taking some serious inspiration from his grandfather.

“Three years ago, he was a surly eight-year-old who thought his grandad was useful only as a fund of money for sweets," added Bryce.

"Now he is a surly 11-year-old, but one who is determined to get a six-pack and we train together after school.

"Competitions are now being held even at his tender age and it is our dream that we become the youngest and oldest British Weightlifting champions together!”

The World Masters Championships are held in Florida this December, and Bryce is set to qualify.