Powerlifter turns cleaner? Sounds rather odd but Sheffield's Mark Norton has been employed over the summer by 'Street Force' to help maintain levels of cleanliness in the centre of the city! The 40-year-old is two times World Champion of the World Drug-Free Powerlifting Federation (WDFPF), having won the title in 2000 and 2003. Mark has also retained his 'British Champion' title over the last four years, as well as holding a number of British Amateur Weight Lifting Association titles - so you don't want him to catch you dropping any litter! Sheffield City Council were unaware of Mark's powerlifting calibre until it was pointed out by one of Mark's colleagues - amazing!
As his sport is contested at amateur level Mark is working hard to fund his trip to the World Championships in Atlanta this autumn.  | | Mark outside Sheffield Town Hall |
He is looking for local businesses to help fund his trip - helping him towards the cost of attending and competing in the finals. Mark's involvement in the sport goes back 25-years. He entered his first competition back in 1980 and today follows a rigorous training regime - his aim to retain his 'world class' form. Drug-Free Powerlifting Powerlifters entering this particular competition are banned from using any steroids or other performance enhancing substances. There are 12 weight categories in powerlifting - competitors have three attempts at each discipline, of which there are three. The squat, which demands leg and back strength - the bench press, this requires chest and upper body strength - and the deadlift, which requires back strength. Points are awarded for the highest poundage achieved. The competitor who has lifted the heaviest and achieved the greatest total of points wins. If you're a business and would like to sponsor Mark for the WDFPF World Championships in Atlanta you can call him on 0114 225 8443. Alternatively you can e-mail him at: markandsharron@hotmail.com
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