A WESTON-super-Mare pensioner has won a gold medal at the latest European Weightlifting Championships.

Zdzisław Bernard Trybull, aged 67, won the gold on Father’s Day representing Great Britain at the competition held in Haugesund, Norway.

Mr Trybull, 67, lifted a total of 172kg at the competition.

He said: “I used to train between 1973-1980 and I achieved good results. I came fourth in Poland at age 20.

“It was always my dream to take part in these types of competitions and to represent Poland, although I didn’t get the chance to and my peers were better.

(Image: Witold Szczęsny)

“I moved to the UK in 2006 with my family, when I was 49, and have integrated into British culture since.

“I was a driver - taxis, busses, HGV, and LGVs. I have always been active through doing CrossFit, swimming, and cycling, but life seemed to get in the way (mortgages, small children, migration) of pursuing a regular practice.

“In 2018, I decided to start weightlifting again and take part in such competitions.

“In 2019, I won the British Masters Weightlifting Championship.

“Now that I am retired, I can put more time towards my training and taking part in greater competitions, such as the European Masters Championship.

“Winning gold is an incredible feeling of pride and accomplishment, however, I must say that it really isn’t what I do it for.

“A cliché, sure, but the taking part is really what makes it. Winning gold is the cherry on top.”

Mr Trybull is hoping to take part in another competition in just a few months.

He added: “In September, I hope to take part in the World Masters Championships hosted at Rovaniemi, Finland.

“Probably some local and national ones too. Next year, I am aiming for the Masters Games in Taipei (May 2924) - kind of like an Olympics for grandparents.

“I continue to live in Weston-super-Mare which reminds me of my hometown, Gdynia. You may see me running on the beach.”