POWERLIFTER Mick Amey reflected on a "total success" after shattering personal records at the Essex Powerlifting Championships.

The 69-year-old, targetting glory at next year’s International Powerlifting Federation Championships, was in stunning form at Hamiltons Fitness Centre, in Colchester.

Competing in the Masters Three under-83kg category, Copford's Amey set personal bests in the squat (200kg), bench press (115kg) and deadlift (225kg).

It gave him a combined weight of 540kg, which, incredibly, would have been enough to win this year's World Championships.

"It was a total success," said Amey, who was competing for the first time since a shoulder operation.

"I'm in a fantastic position and can honestly say I haven't felt this fit, fresh or strong for more than ten years.

“I never dreamt I’d get back to this standard.

“I’ve been training for more than ten years to reach these heights again and haven’t lifted competitively for three years.

"So to get a total weight of 540kg is really good for this stage. Now I'm looking smash more records in the next few months."

Next up for Amey is the British Championships, in Horncastle, in January, and also the European Championships, in Romania.

He is dreaming of a “perfect swansong” as he sets his sights on the one medal that has eluded him during his glittering career.

Amey has won numerous gold, silver and bronze medals, shattering records along the way, during his three decades in the sport.

But he has never struck gold at the International Powerlifting Federation Championships - the World Championships - having previously won a silver in the 75kg category.

“I’m so determined and confident that I can win the world title next year.

“I’m going there as the favourite and really feel like this is going to be my year.

"It would be the perfect swansong.”

Amey had surgery to his left shoulder in January 2017, having previously had an operation on his right shoulder in 2010.

Son Daniel was also in action at Hamiltons, winning the Masters One -93kg category.

The 40-year-old managed 185kg in the squat, 145kg in the bench press and 217kg in the deadlift, for a total of 547kg.

Amey was also quick to praise his other son, Ashley, who was with him in a coaching capacity as well as Hamiltons club-mates and fellow powerlifters Stewart Cowan and Kitty Burroughs.

Amey, who will become a Masters Four competitor on January 1, is looking for sponsorship to help him on his journey to next year's International Powerlifting Federation Championships, in South Africa.

Any individuals or businesses willing to help can contact him on 01206 672806 and 07955 356724.