Stranorlar powerlifter celebrates father/son win at national championships

A father/son duo from Stranorlar won gold at the Amateur Irish Powerlifting Organisations in Limerick, qualifying for the right to represent Ireland in the European and World Championships, to be held in Limerick and Manchester.

Michael Coleman and his son, Jake Coleman, won against their competition in their respective competitions.

Jake, who is 20 years old, won two golds at the 20-23 age category in the 67.5kg weight class.

Speaking about his success, and relationship with his father and coach, Michael, Jake said: “It is nice. I started competing when I was 12, and took more of an interest when I was 17. 

“He has been competing for years, and I have grown up watching him lift. I am really lucky that he is my coach, and I can get help whenever. 

“It is nice to have the coach in the same house as you. I don’t think I would love lifting the same if it were not for him.

“He gives me as much support as he can, and he is very happy with my lifting, but at the same time, you have to be critical in certain ways, which comes with progression.

“The Finn Valley Vikings was a club that my parents started. Now there is no real team, but we are competing. We will be under the Irish team for the Europeans.”

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Powerlifting is different to weightlifting that is seen in the Olympics, as powerlifting focuses on squats, deadlifts, and the bench press, whereas weightlifting focuses on the snatch and the clean and jerk movements. 

Now focusing on training for the European Championships in Limerick in June and the World Championships in Manchester in September, Jake explained his motivations.

He said: “You’re always looking for personal bests. You want to beat your personal record and it is something I am striving towards.”

Jake’s workplace, Alexanders of Ballybofey, also congratulated him on social media. The post said: “We’re super proud of our Head Barista – Jake Coleman, who competed in the AIPO National Powerlifting competition at the weekend!

“Jake returned to Donegal with two gold medals and managed to break a few records while he was at it! Jake now qualifies for the World Championships due to be held later this year.

“Huge congratulations, Jake, from us all at Alexanders.

“And of course, he still makes the best coffee in town!!”