Camille Holland achieves European powerlifting record

Cambridge lifter achieves new mark in Barcelona

Camille Holland has written her name in the European powerlifting record books.

The 29-year-old Cambridge athlete headed to the Arnold Classic Europe in Barcelona with the aim of achieving a European squat lift record.

And Holland, who trains at the House of Fitness, reached her goal by lifting 226kg.

“I’m very happy with the result,” said Holland. “Unfortunately, the squat upset an old shoulder injury which meant I didn’t perform well on my bench press or deadlift – but I lifted enough for the record to still count.

“The world record is around 270kg at the moment – certainly something I aspire to but I know it will take me a long time to get there. The woman who currently has the record is in her own league – she’s been lifting 15 years and also holds the world record for bench press and deadlift.”

It completes Holland’s competitive year, with the 2018 British Classic next up in February.

“I’m very happy to finish on a high,” she said. “I’ve managed to get some great results this year but I’m looking forward to a few months off competing and getting some solid training in.”