\n<\/p>\n
\n Dakota Bessent, 18, from Hungerford, secured fourth place at the World Powerlifting Championships held in Sun City, South Africa, on August 21.\n<\/p>\n
\n Representing Team GB, Dakota competed in the junior category and achieved a total lift of 575kg, despite weighing just 64.6kg.\n<\/p>\n
\n He said: “To finish fourth in the world is something I’m incredibly proud of.\n<\/p>\n
\n “When you consider the standard of competition and the athletes I was up against, it feels like a huge achievement.\n<\/p>\n
\n “Representing Team GB on the world stage is an honour, and this result has given me even more motivation to keep improving and come back stronger.”\n<\/p>\n
\n The former St John’s Marlborough student trains at MFPC Gym in Marlborough, balancing his training with full-time work.\n<\/p>\n
\n He said: “Much of my training has been out of hours as I work full-time, and so being able to access competition-standard equipment at MFPC has been a big factor in my success.\n<\/p>\n
\n “The support and training environment at MFPC have played a massive role in helping me reach this level.”\n<\/p>\n
\n Dakota is already the British Sub-Junior champion and the 2025 British Junior Bench Press record holder.\n<\/p>\n
\n He previously won gold at the 2024 Commonwealth Championships.\n<\/p>\n
\n He said: “Standing on that platform wearing the Team GB kit is a moment I’ll never forget.\n<\/p>\n
\n “Fourth place shows me that I can compete with the very best in the world, and it makes me excited about what could be possible over the next few years.”\n<\/p>\n
\n Dakota also hopes his success will inspire other young athletes in the region.\n<\/p>\n
\n He believes his journey highlights the potential of dedicated training and the opportunities available for those willing to commit.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n