Derry teenager wins bronze medal at sub-junior and junior powerlifting European Championships

A Derry teenager has secured third place in the sub-junior and junior powerlifting European Championships in the Czech Republic.

Ajay Mulhern was representing Ireland 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.

While he did well in the Mediterranean country on the world stage, Mulhern shone in the Czech Republic as he secured the bronze medal.

Mulhern stood on the podium beside Ivan Gabaldon Saez in first place, representing Spain, and Finn O'Farrell, representing the United Kingdom, finishing second.

The 18-year-old finished with a total lift score of 706 kg across the three events involved in powerlifting: squat, bench press, and deadlift.

While Mulhern finished third overall, he did finish second in the deadlift competition.

The three-time Irish national record holder had been working with his coach, Ethan McLaughlin (EMcStrength), to improve upon his World Championship performance and has witnessed the time and effort pay off.

Mulhern had spoken about using the worlds to prepare him for the Europeans and taking that experience to medal.

It has paid off.