British champion Daniel Shearly is targeting a medal at this week’s WPC European Powerlifting Championship in Latvia.

The St Albans weightlifter only took up the sport just over a year ago but demonstrated his ability winning the 82.5kg competition at the British Championship in Folkestone in August.

Shearly, 32, arrived in Latvia yesterday and will have his weigh in today before competing in the 75kg class tomorrow in Riga.

The competition will involve three different lifts, the deadlift, bench press and squat.

The IT consultant said: “I’d like to get a medal. I think the bronze is my best chance but I hope I can come away with a medal.

“I have always done sports. I used to play rugby and then distance running and then I got more into weights.

“I have got quite a competitive nature so this has given me a new challenge and I’m enjoying the competition."