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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

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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!

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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!

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