Powerlifter’s amazing feat at Nationals

DARLEY powerlifting sensation Kelley Clifford is celebrating breaking four Australian records in his division at the National Championships last month.

The 15-year-old lifted 170 kilograms in the squat, 117.5 kilograms in the benchpress, and 220 kilograms in the deadlift for an incredible total of 505.5 kilograms to win the 13 to 15 years under 100 kilograms body weight division.

As Kelley’s mother Christine Clifford explained, he was first introduced to powerlifting at the age of 10, training at Royale Fitness in Bacchus Marsh.

She said it all came about purely to “try something different” in a safe and positive setting.

“There’s always good mentors around a gym,” she said. “It’s a good atmosphere and people are always very encouraging and supportive.

“It was a one-on-one situation at the start to make sure that he was lifting correctly.

“Then, when he was about 13 he moved into a group setting with other teenagers, which was a fantastic environment for them all.”

Mrs Clifford said her son’s progression into competitive powerlifting happened somewhat by chance.

“A friend of mine who competes messaged me and asked, ‘Why doesn’t Kelley think about doing some powerlift competitions?'” she said.

“That was because he’d already beaten national records [in training] and we didn’t even know.

“That’s where it started.”

Looking to the immediate future, the six-foot-one athlete is currently in the junior Victorian Gridiron side, hopes to obtain a scholarship in the US to play the sport for a high school team, and then go on to college.