Paisley Barbell club founder Mark Fulton made his “dream come true” by turning his world gold medal ambition into a reality.
The powerlifter was picked to represent Team GB at the IPF World Masters Championships in Newfoundland in Canada.
Fulton revealed he had watched the tournament on YouTube at the start of his lifting journey.
And the determined competitor ensured he became the star of the show by powering his way to the top of the podium by dramatically earning gold with his final attempt.
Delighted Fulton told Express Sport: “The goal since I started lifting has been to compete at this level.
“I remember watching it on YouTube thinking I’d love to go one day.
“To come here and to get the gold medal is a dream come true.
“It will certainly be a moment I won’t ever forget.”
Fulton earned the right to compete in the event after being selected for the British team following his second place finish in the British Masters.
With the event taking place in Canada, this brought significant challenges in terms of travel, an obstacle not helped by an issue at Toronto Airport which meant he arrived in St John’s without his bag.
Nominated in fourth place for the event based on previous totals, Fulton had high hopes of an individual medal as well as solidifying his place at an international level among lifters from around the globe.
The event kicked off with squats and Fulton produced an assured display to finish with a 225kg lift. That equalled his Scottish record and was good enough for fourth place, only missing out on a bronze due to an American lifter who smashed the World record on his final attempt.
Bench press was up next and proved a challenge for Fulton as he only made one of his three attempts to finish on 137.5kg.
That left him fourth overall heading into the deadlift, a favourite of the Paisley Barbell founder over the years.
Having experienced some grip issues at the British Championships, Fulton reconstructed his technique in the build-up to this event.
From the opening lifts it was clear his goal of a medal was on the cards as he opened with the heaviest lift of 250kg.
A strong second attempt of 260kg had all but secured the silver medal, and it came down to the final lift of the competition with Fulton having the chance to seal a gold medal.
Backed by a strong British support in the crowd, he did just that, lifting 270k to smash the Scottish record and capture a gold on the World stage.
His final total of 632.5kg was good enough for fourth place overall – also another Scottish record.
Fulton said: “The support from the club members, Team GB and the wider powerlifting community has been fantastic and a testament to the ethos of the sport.
“I would like to thank Granite Charlie Limited and DS Joinery for their generous financial support, as well as all the members of Anvil Strength Gym for their support.”
Paisley Barbell will be back on the international stage soon as Aimee Jarvie will represent Team GB at the European Junior Championships in Poland.
Reon Juskowiak will also compete for Scotland at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Event in New Zealand.
Alongside this, close to 30 club members will be stepping on to the platform in domestic events before the end of the year.
Fulton added: “The growth of the club this year has been fantastic.
“When we created the club, the aim was to help people get on the platform and compete and over the next month it will be amazing to see so many taking the opportunity at all levels, from novice to international level.
“Sponsorship opportunities are still available, as well as gym memberships at Anvil Strength. If anyone is interested in finding out more please check out our social media pages.”
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