The Council of Australian Powerlifting Organisations event took place at the Cronulla Sharks Leagues Club, on August 12-14.

Beecham’s record breaking lifts took place on the Friday of the three-day competition. However, the world records were not confirmed by the Global Powerlifting Alliance until last week. His was lifting in the Masters Men’s 40-45 years 125kg weight division.

“I lifted 270kg in the raw squat,” Beecham said. “The previous record was 245kg and I think it was held by a Russian gentleman. 

“The bench press record was 155kg and I lifted 162.5kg and the deadlift record was 250kg and I was successful at 300kg. The surprise for me was the notification that I had also set a new combined total lift record at 732.5kg.

“The reason it took so long for me to find out that I had broken the records was that all my equipment including my suit had to be checked to see that it met the stringent criteria for the world record.”

Beecham started in the sport much later than most. He has been lifting for only the past two years or so, though he has been pretty conscientious about staying fit and playing sport.

Beecham does not have a professional trainer, but relies on picking up information from those in the sport who are willing to provide advice.

He trains at home in his garage, which he converted to a powerlifting gym, and spends most evenings training with the aid of friends also interested in the sport.

Powerlifting varies from weightlifting in the methods in which weights are lifted. Competitors must compete in three different lifts: squat, bench press and deadlift. Lifters are allowed three attempts at each lift.

The overall winner is decided on the total of the three weights lifted. If two or more lifters achieve the same total, the winner is decided on the lightest lifter.

Beecham said he was a little conservative in his lifts at the championships and could succeeded with slightly more on the bar.

“I am grateful to my sponsors Zambrero Goulburn, Goulburn Nissan, RCs Welding and Water, who helped fund my Olympic bar and competition entry,” Beecham said.