Multiple world titles for Darley powerlifter

TEENAGE powerlifting showstopper Kelley Clifford has taken all before him at the recent World Powerlifting Championships in Chicago, breaking five world records in the 13-15-year-old under- 100 kilogram division.

The Darley resident, who trains at Royale Fitness in Bacchus Marsh, was the first person in history in his division’s combined event to lift 215 kilograms in the squat, 131 kilograms in the bench press and 255 kilograms in the single deadlift for a massive overall combined weight of 601 kilograms (equivalent to a full-grown Gorilla).

He also lifted 255 kilograms in the deadlift only event – another world record – to come away with two gold medals from the championships.

Proud mum Christine Clifford described their approach to the competition, which included a 30-hour transition from Melbourne to Chicago.

“We arrived five days early just to settle Kelley in and make sure that he was ready to go,” she explained.

“There was a bit of anxiety – he had to weigh in 24 hours beforehand between 90 kilograms and 100 kilograms.”

“He weighed in at 98.6 kilograms, which was all part of the plan to get as close as he could to the limit.”

Ms Clifford said the journey her son embarked on in order to “bring his dreams to life” had been challenging.

“The pathway he had to follow was to compete at state level, then at national level and then at worlds,” she said.

“It’s been a year in the making and he walks away with five world records that hadn’t been broken in ten years, so I can’t see them being beaten anytime soon.

“Without Matt Prince from Royale Fitness this would’ve been a long shot for Kelley, but the programming was extremely well thought out and everything came to fruition.

“Of course without the sponsors it wouldn’t have happened for Kelley either, so we’re all very grateful to them also.”

She said herself and Kelley hoped that his story encourages other kids to realise that anything is possible if they persevere.

“Get out there, have a go and you don’t know where it will lead.”