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TESTIMONIALS
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TESTIMONIALS
TESTIMONIALS
TESTIMONIALS
TESTIMONIALS
See what others have to say...
TESTIMONIALS
BOOK A CLASS
Book yourself onto a class with the team and get involved!
See what others have to say...
TESTIMONIALS
See what others have to say...
See what others have to say...
See what others have to say...
See what others have to say...
Meet the team
Andrew Kearton
Owner & Head Coach
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Qualifications: BWL Level 2 & Competition Licence
Level 3 Personal Trainer
Experience: 10+ years
Occupation: Owner/Head Coach
Favourite Lift: Both of them!!
I have been involved in Weightlifting for over 10 years. After successful time as a competitive Powerlifter during my early 20s, my coach at the time, Ron Brett encouraged me to try weightlifting which I fell in love with instantly and enjoyed the training immensely. Unfortunately, my coach Ron moved away and so i took a break and moved into long distance running.
I ventured back into weightlifting in my mid 30s (After watching the Olympics in 2012) and now compete as a masters lifter, nationally and internationally.
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I love coaching the sport of weightlifting as it gives me a great sense of satisfaction and reward, especially when a new athlete walks through the door and starts their journey into the sport of Weightlifting.
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Things you might not know about me....
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I have played drums professionally for over 30 years and have had my band's music featured in lots of American films and tv! I lived in Los Angeles and played gigs there for 2 years.
I also hold a 2nd Dan Black Belt in Korean Karate
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Seb Biggins
Coach & Talent Academy Youth Coach
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Qualifications: BWL Level 2 & Level 3 Personal Trainer
Experience: 6 years
Occupation: Sports Therapist & Practice Educator
Favourite Lift: Snatch
I began Olympic Weightlifting 6 years ago after becoming frustrated with powerlifting and general strength training - it lacked the technical and mental challenges I needed to stimulate and motivate me. After watching weightlifting for several months, it tickled something which other training styles never had, and after my first Olympic Weightlifting session I was hooked - it was fast, technical, challenging and forced me to think. For me, weightlifting presents an addictive sense of achievement. I love it because there's always more to learn and never-ending challenges.
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As well as working as a qualified Sports Therapist, I am also a Practice Educator at the University of Essex. I feel passionately about bringing my knowledge and skills to Colchester Weightlifting, working with our athletes to help prevent and resolve any injuries that may occur,
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Things you might not know about me...
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My previous sporting history involves rugby, tennis and cycling - I'm also currently planning some mountain hikes, starting with Snowdon.
I can play the piano.
My favourite food is literally anything Thai, Korean or Malaysian.
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I am obsessed with my Cocker Spaniel, Che!
Heather Barker
Coach & Talent Academy Youth Coach
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Qualifications: BWL Level 2 & Technical Official Licence
Experience: 6 years
Occupation: Accountant
Favourite Lift: Clean and Jerk
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My introduction to weightlifting came when I took part in a 10 week weightlifting course at the crossfit gym I was a member of and as result discovered I wasn’t completely terrible at it. I made the decision to switch my focus over and competed at my first British Championships four months later, the rest is history.
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Since then I have competed nationally four more times, including a silver medal at the 2019 English Championships. I also got to compete in Montreal at the 2019 Masters World Championships.
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Weightlifting is my passion, I live for that feeling when you walk out onto the platform to take that first lift or the high after a PB and recently, I have also discovered the joy I feel when helping other people to realise their own potential in a coaching capacity.
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Things you might not know about me...
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I have always participated in competitive sport including swimming and equestrianism - I even used to compete in high jump for my school athletics team...shocking for someone of my height!
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Outside of weightlifting in my limited spare time I enjoy walking (mostly with my dog Todd), cooking, reading and spending time with my daughter who is also a youth member at Colchester Weightlifting!