Derry teenager set to represent Ireland at European Powerlifting Championship

A Derry teenager is set to represent Ireland at the sub-junior and junior powerlifting European Championships in the Czech Republic. 

Ajay Mulhern will wear the green of his country in Pilsen on Tuesday morning, October 8.

The current Irish U-18 champion only a month ago was representing Ireland in the World Championships in Malta, and he has taken a lot from that competition to prepare him for the Czech Republic. 

He said: “I feel a lot better this time, more prepared.

“I am hoping to make a major improvement in my squat, as I was not getting deep enough, and fulfil my full potential in this part of the competition.

“My coach has been helping me a lot for this competition, particularly my hand care, so they don’t tear as easily. 

“They are feeling a lot tougher, and hopefully I can lift 310 kg this time.

“I have done this in training, but anything above 300 is still a big win to do, particularly on an international stage.”

Mulhern managed to break the Irish U-18 deadlift record at the World Championships with 300 kg  and is once again looking to better it.

He said it was a great experience in Malta, and having now done one, he can get his head in the right place for this competition.

The record holder said: “Worlds was amazing, brilliant just being there; had I not been competing, I would have enjoyed the atmosphere, seeing all the lifters gathered in a small area, as it was hosted in a small area, in St. Paul’s Bay.

“It was a great experience; I learned a lot from it, from the small issues that arose.”

Most athletes look to improve in the minor details to achieve that miniscule advantage that could prove to be the difference, and Mulhern is no different, as he and his coach Ethan McLaughlin (EMcStrength) have put in the work.

However, he will be looking for a less stressful buildup to the competition.

The teenager joked: “When we got to the weigh-ins, my coach and I were getting our equipment checked, and unbeknownst to us, I needed my passport with me. This was to confirm my identification, but I had forgotten it.

“It was lucky that my sister was there, as she jumped in a taxi to go back to the apartment to get it. I was worried for quite a while, as that would have been it, but I have learned from that.

This time I am on my own, so I can't make any silly mistakes like that, just creating stress.”

Mulhern’s event will begin at 9am on Tuesday morning Irish time, with it being streamed live on YouTube.