A Lochgelly powerlifter has become Commonwealth champion after travelling to compete in South Africa.

Paul Walker won gold in squat, bench, and total, along with a silver medal in deadlift.

He said: “It feels so good. I competed in 2019 for Scotland in Canada and got four silvers, so to come away with three golds and one silver this time is a lot better.

It's a good thing Paul is so strong since he has all these medals to carry.It's a good thing Paul is so strong since he has all these medals to carry. (Image: Paul Walker) “At the same event I finished sixth in the World masters.

“It was my first time being in South Africa, and the worry was the altitude because walking up to the venue from the hotel was like climbing Everest.

“I was injured in the run up, so I was really pleased with my performance.”

Discussing his introduction to the sport, he said: “I started in 2017 after a lot of persuasion from friends. I went to a gym to lose weight because after I finished playing rugby, I piled it on.

“A couple of the boys said I should try powerlifting, and I said ‘nope, no chance’, because you have to wear a tight outfit that shows every part of your body. I thought I’d look like big daddy from the wrestling.

“Eight years later, and I’m competing at the highest level.”

(Image: Paul Walker) Mr Walker runs a powerlifting section at the Aeternum gym in Lochgelly. He said: “It’s gave me a chance to give back to the community as well. We get a lot of young boys coming in and we’ve managed to get them on the platform, including one who has autism who was absolutely brilliant.

“I have a chance to grow the sport and get more young people involved which is the long-term aim.”

“I think the most transferrable skill they get out of it is the discipline. Going through eight to 12 weeks of programming and being fatigued both physically and mentally is tough.

“There’s also comradery between people who are all doing the same thing and preparing for competitions, which is second to none.”

He wasn’t the only Fifer to place at the event, as Gym 64 Kirkcaldy manager Wendy Macfarlane took home Gold in squat, silver in bench press, and silver in deadlift.

Mr Walker said: “It’s good for two local lifters to be at that level. It goes to show that strength isn’t just a male thing.”