SureSet Sponsoring local World Powerlifting Championships
SureSet is proud to announce its sponsorship of Liam Backhurst, son of Hugh Haines, a valued member of our team, as he prepares to compete on the world stage in powerlifting. Liam’s dedication and drive have earned him a spot on Team GB for the World Powerlifting Championships in Slovakia, where he’ll compete on Friday, October 11th.
Liam’s journey to the Worlds has been anything but ordinary. His interest in fitness and training started at home with simple bodyweight exercises like press-ups and sit-ups. Encouraged by his mum, who provided him with his first set of dumbbells, Liam’s passion for strength grew. His love for sports wasn’t limited to weightlifting; from a young age, he was involved in parkour, boxed with Frome ABC, and played rugby for Frome RFC since primary school. However, his focus shifted when he discovered his talent and passion for powerlifting, which has since become his primary pursuit.
A Morning Routine of Champions
At just 6:00 AM, while most teenagers are still fast asleep, Liam is already in the gym, pushing his limits. Training 4-5 days a week at Falcon Fitness Gym in Frome, his routine is built around the three core lifts of powerlifting—squat, bench press, and deadlift—along with assistance exercises that help build the muscles that support these movements. Liam is quick to express his gratitude to Dean and Dave at Falcon Fitness, whose continued support has been vital in his progress.
The Origins of a Passion
Liam’s love for training didn’t happen overnight. Growing up, he was always active and energetic, participating in a range of sports and activities. When he saw others lifting weights, he was intrigued. As he got more involved, he noticed how strength training enhanced his performance in rugby and boxing, helping him become faster, stronger, and more focused. Beyond the physical benefits, lifting became a way to channel his energy, giving him focus and structure, especially in school.
Overcoming Challenges
Balancing multiple interests is never easy, and for Liam, it’s been one of his biggest challenges. Whether it’s rugby, boxing, or powerlifting, he likes to give everything he does 100%. At times, this made it difficult to manage all his commitments. Eventually, he realised that in order to achieve his goals, he needed to focus on one area. So, for the time being, Liam has put rugby and boxing on hold to channel his energy into powerlifting.
Achieving Success
Liam’s dedication paid off earlier this year when he competed in the Welsh Championships in March. His standout performance included setting a British record in the bench press with a 95kg lift—a feat that earned him an invitation to represent Team GB at the World Championships. Competing at this level is a dream come true for Liam, and his hard work is a testament to what can be achieved through perseverance and focus.
What’s Next for Liam?
After the World Championships, Liam plans to take a break from powerlifting competitions and explore the world of bodybuilding. He’s considering a 12-18 month shift towards bodybuilding to see how his physique develops and where this new direction might take him.
We at SureSet are thrilled to be supporting Liam on this incredible journey and can’t wait to see him perform on the world stage. His drive, discipline, and passion are truly inspiring, and we wish him the best of luck in Slovakia!
