Billericay's Dave Venables made a triumphant return from injury at the weekend to record his eighth straight British super-heavyweight title.

Venables lifted 105 kilos plus to confirm his place at the top of the nation's weight-lifting tree following a six-month lay-off with a hip injury.

But he admits he can go furthur on his road to recovery, adding: "I was lifting at 90 per cent of my best, so to win was encouraging."

With seven weeks to go before the European championships start in Poland, Venables will be pushing himself even harder to eclipse the second place he managed at last year's event.

"The Eastern Europeans dominate the sport but I am confident I can do well at this competition and be ready for the world championships in September," he added.

Published Friday April 9, 2004

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