HEAVYWEIGHT OPENING AT EVESHAM

Just a quick note to say that I had the pleasure of officially opening the new " Rivers" weights section at Evesham Leisure Centre on Monday 3rd December. This is such a great facility now both for myself & my training clients, and I look forward to using this extensively in the New Year.

UPCOMING 2008 BDFPA EVENTS DIARY

PRESS RELEASE: CHAMP OPENS BIG LIFT AREA IN EVESHAM GYM

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PRESS RELEASE: New Strength Area for Evesham Leisure Centre

Evesham resident and EUROPEAN CHAMPION power lifter Larry Whyte will officially open Evesham Leisure Centre's new Rivers strength area on Monday 3rd December. Larry thanked the centre for their sponsorship over the last 12 months and said “I have worked on my cardiovascular training at Evesham Leisure Centre and until now have had to work out with the heavier weights at home in my garage. I think this new strength area with the extended heavy weight range I requested will be a real boost for the Centre”.

The new strength area boasts an impressive new range of Technogym kit and a wide range of weights from 1.25 – 20 kilo’s, a cable crossover to work upper pec’s, a multipower bench with weight loading discs, as well as a Scott bench for those bicep curls and two new benches to use with all of the new free weights.

Head Fitness Instructor Nigel Grundy said “this is a great boost for the Centre and just what the gym needed, as customers have been requesting heavier weights for some time now”.

The new area is available to all our Rivers fitness room customers, if you wish to have a tour of the fitness rooms please give us a call on 01386 444212.

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I would encourage anyone in the Evesham locale to check out this great new facility at the leisure centre, especially you guys who like the heavier free weights.

DAN GETS HEAVYWEIGHT AWARDS

Hi there

I just thought I'd take this opportunity to congratulate my friend Dan Jones on his recent awards of Consumer Journalist of the Year & New Journalist of the Year 2007. As some of the regular blog readers will know, Dan is a Features Editor at Mens Health Magazine (following a recent promotion!) who did an awesome 6 page feature on my achievements earlier in the year - The Life of Iron. In fact, this very article was part of his winning portfolio to gain him one of the highest accolades for any new journalist in the UK.

This is very well deserved! Also, big up to Dan on becoming the Features Editor...this award winning stuff must be infectious!

PS - keep your eyes out in 2008 for a new project from myself & Dan Jones!

A Message from Down Under & Beyond

Hello

Forgive a small indulgence, but I wanted to share this with you; it features my late friend, 6 time World Masters Champion Bob Withers. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all, and it was my very good fortune to spend some time with this gentleman during my 1st World Championships in Bendigo 2006. For those who didn't know Bob, this will give you a tiny insight to the man himself.

STEVE IN ACTION AT THE MIDLANDS

Hi there

Just another quick shot to share with you of my son Steve: here he is securing his place in Bradford 2008 with a 200Kg plus unequipped deadlift. Talk about being a proud Dad!

(excuse the dark photo)

ANOTHER WHYTE RESULT IN THE MIDLANDS

Hi There - allow me to introduce a new face to you - it's my youngest son Steve.

He is a future British and World Champion in the making as he has loads of natural raw talent. Steve, who competes in the under 23's, has just qualified for the British championships in Bradford, to be held at Bradford University in July 2008. He is also in his last year at Oxford University where he is studying law. I am proud to say he is an awesome deadlifter for his age & kinda reminds me of some one else I know (!) I have wittnessed him lifting over 240 kilos in the gym this year, and over 200 kilos to qualify for the British championships. So watch out for this kid cos he is up and running !

SNIPES-LOOKALIKE IN USN T-SHIRT

Hi

Not really...this is just an interesting shot of me from Italy, where it was SOoo hot - I could do with a bit more of that myself now as November is far too cold! Note the subtle sponsorship from nutrition provider USN!

LARRY GETS HERO SPOT ON USN SITE

Hello Again

The sporting nutrition people USN will be featuring a familiar face on their sporting heroes section of their website ( me!) This is just awesome news for me, as most of the people featured on the site are all young pros at the top of their game. Thanks USN - I am honored and delighted that I have been selected for this prestigous recognition on your global website.Here is this link if you want to check it out!

http://www.sci-mx.co.uk/pages/21674/Larry_Whyte.htm

BRIT TEAM TAKES 3RD PLACE IN ITALY

Hi Again,

I thought you might like to see this; this is the British Team posing at Thunder Gym in Montesilvano, Italy ( The Italian team came first, surprisingly!)

THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS

Hi There

Just a little clipping from a local rag , with me holding the 'World Cup'. As the article says, great to go out on top after winning the title for a second year.

WHYTE GOES TO PRISON FOR A DAY!

POWERLIFTING PAPARAZZI

Hi there

Just a quick update from me - I thought you might like to see a photo that was taken whilst I was in Italy during the World Champ's. This shot is during one of my winning deadlifts.

More updates soon :-)

- Larry

TALKING & LIFTING AT LONG LARTIN

Hi there

I've just had a very interesting weekend; I did my first ever 'speech' at HMP Long Lartin, after an invite from their PE instructor Phil Currie, and I must say I quite enjoyed it! My speech was part of their celebration of Black History Month, so I was glad to go along to talk about being a World Champion, as well as a little about my background and my anti-drugs stance - which was well received. I even managed to finish the day by doing some demo lifts & breaking my own world record!!

(My big thanks goes to John Simonett for all his help with my preparation - cheers John - you're a REAL pro! )

NEWS FLASH FROM THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Hi there - I've just received a message from Larry - all the way from Italy.

I'm sure you will join me & all his friends in congratulating Larry in becoming the new World Champion, both in the equipped & non-equipped categories. He also managed to become the new World Record Holder, with a mean lift of 265 kG. As the Italians would say 'Forza Larry' !

- Grant Willcox - 2Excel Coaching (performance coach to Larry Whyte)

LARRY LIFTS OFF FOR LAST LIFT ATTEMPT

Hi there -

Just a belated note from me, as I am currently in Italy warming up for my World Championship defence this weekend. I left the UK from lovely Stanstead (!) airport yesterday, so this is being written on my behalf by my performance coach Grant ( thanks :-)

It will be interesting event at the culmination of a lot of intense training; I also know that my Aussie pal, the late Bob Withers will be there with me in spirit, saying 'the bar's loaded son'. I'll be doing it for you, Bobby, as well as the Adelaide Boys who supported me so much in Bendigo last year.

I'll keep you updated via the blog to let you know how I get on this weekend - hopefully (!) I'll be able to report on some more 'metalwork' achievements soon.

Cheers for now - Larry

More Mantelpiece Metal

Hello again

Just a quick message to let you know that I did pretty well at the recent Midlands Masters Competition, breaking my own World Record in the bench press with 147.2 Kg, as well as taking the Best Overall Lifter. I thought the trophy looked more like the FA cup!

I dedicate this trophy to the late Bob Withers - a real inspiration in the world of drug-free powerlifting, and a man I was proud to consider as a friend.

LOSS OF A LEGEND

Hi

I had an e-mail from my powerlifting buddies in Adelaide recently to inform me that my good friend & mentor from the World Championships 2006, Bob Withers, has sadly passed away. I met Bob whilst in Bendigo competing last year & he appointed himself as my 'guru'; Bob was a British ex-pat and had an unusual Brummie / Aussie accent & we got on famously. As well as being a Masters Champion with over 40 years in the game, Bob was a professor of sports physiology at the university and I know I owe a lot of my World Title success to Bob, thanks to his knowledge, inspiration & drive. He also was instrumental in my Mens Health article ' The Life of Iron', having spoken to Dan Jones in great depth about the world of drug-free powerlifting.

He will be missed, but never forgotten - particularly by me. Following my recent win at the weekend as the Midlands Champion & the new World Record Bench Press Holder, I dedicate this trophy to the memory of this great bloke.

Cheers Bob.

BEEN THERE - GOT THE T-SHIRT

Hello again -

I have just taken delivery of a limited number of special 'Life of Iron' T-Shirts, to wear at the World Championships in a few weeks time. These take the title from my Mens Health article back in the spring, and I've got to admit, look really good. If anyone is interested in obtaining one, drop me a line & I may just get another batch produced. These are all printed on Hanes Heavyweight 100% Pre-shrunk Cotton & come in size large ( 42 -44) So, if you live a life of iron, or you would just like a cool t-shirt, let me know.

COUNTDOWN TO ITALY

Hi there

A quick update from me - still training hard, despite being on wierd work shifts.

I'm really knuckling down now for the 'final sprint' to Italy & what may be my final competition. In the meantime, I continue to get great support from the local press - so I thought you might like to see the latest article. Enjoy!

LARRY'S ITALIAN JOB

Hi There

Just a quick update from me, amongst all of the intensive training I am undertaking for the World Championships...only 5 weeks to go!! Anyway, here is a nice piece that was featured in the Evesham Vale magazine recently. Enjoy!

BBC Article & Feature now on the web

Hello Again

I just had a nice mail from my friends at BBC Radio Gloucestershire who have put a great article up on their website, as well as a recording of the interview I did for them recently.Check it out:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/gloucestershire/content/articles/2007/08/30/larry_whyte_feature.shtml

New Evesham Article - Part 1

Hi there

Just thought you'd like to see this great article that featured little old me!

LARRY GETS SPOT IN USN NEWSLETTER

Hi there -

The August edition of the newsletter from top sports nutrition provider USN has a nice mention of my Euro success, with the following article:

Powerlifting Champion Wins European Title

Larry Whyte is certainly on top of his game – he yet again won another title at the powerlifting European Championships in Switzerland. Larry has had a fantastic year thus far, winning the Midlands, British, European and World Championships.

Thanks USN !

GOING MENTAL FOR ITALY!

Hi there -

No - I haven't lost it! I thought I'd let you know about some of my special training for the world championships. Focussing on just the physical part of the lifts will only get you so far, so I have been working with top success coach Grant Willcox of 2Excel Coaching to assist me in getting my winning mindset together.

Top techniques like creative visualisation are used by all of the best sportsmen like Tiger Woods and Andy Roddick to elevate their game & create consistent & powerful results; Grant has been working with me for a while now to strengthen my focus & overcome any mental barriers as I aim to go for the 300kG mark & take the world title for the last time. Having this kind of support is priceless, as it allows me to concentrate on then physical techniques, knowing that my mind is set for success. Awesome stuff!

LARRY GOES RADIO GA-GA

Greetings

For all of those interested parties, I will be on the radio on Monday 6th August; check out BBC Radio Gloucestershire between 5-7pm for an in depth interview about my preparations for the World Championships, & other varied topics. It shall be interesting, for sure!

NEWSFLASH:The New British Masters Champ is...

Hi there

Hot news from the British DFPA Masters Competition -

the New British Masters Champion is.....ME! Luckily, I managed to put in a reasonable performance to retain my 2006 title & take away with another 3 trophies to fill up my mantelpiece! On Saturday, I produced a 130kG lift in the bench press to take the title; Sunday was a little different, as I was aiming to beat my own world records but fell short due to some deadlift technique issues.

However, I did achieve 240kG in the unequipped deadlift, followed by an slightly better 250kG in the equipped category, which was still a decent enough result to help me keep my British Masters title for a second year.Hopefully I will be able to iron out my technique glitches in time for the World Championship, so watch this space!

HOW TO USE THIS BLOG!

G'day

I've had a few mails from people who were uncertain about how to leave messages on my blog when they want comment on an article or feature. The good news is that it's very easy; by each of the posts is a line that says comments - if you click on this, a pop-up box opens for you to enter your contact details & a message of your choice (nothing too rude please!) I look forward to your comments & feedback as they let me know which bits of the blog you like best. So, with this in mind, I look forward to seeing more of your comments in the near future!

DIARY DATE: BRITISH DFPA CHAMPIONSHIPS

Hi

A quick note from me to let you know that I will be appearing at The British Drug Free Powerlifting Championships on July 14-15th in Bradford,UK, so anyone who wants to come along to give support is very welcome! I am currently hard at training to compete in the event & hope to emulate my 2006 success. Keep your eyes out on the blog for the results in about 10 days time!

LARRY WHYTE - POWER RANGER!

Hi Again

This is the article I mentioned in the last post from The Evesham Vale magazine~for the interest of you non-locals across the World!

Hitting The Headlines Again!

Hello again,

It's been another busy month full of new training clients, so the blog has been a little quiet - until now! Today - July 1st - I had a nice feature in the Evesham Vale magazine which I will post shortly. It's nice to get the media support locally as well as nationally, so I hope a few of you managed to read it; for everyone else - watch this space! Until then, I will leave you with a nice shot by photographer David Taylor that was taken at my recent Delphi presentation ( I'm the one holding the heavy Waterford Crystal Bowl, in case you wondered!)

RUSSIAN SUPPORT FOR WORLD TITLE DEFENSE

Hello again,

It's been a crazy week for media events, what with several newspaper articles & a local BBC interview, but I wanted to show you a photo I had taken during the Euro's. This is a guy called Vladimir Sushchak who is a Russian strongman & champion whom I met in Bendigo last year during the World Championships; Vladimir doesn't speak much English but congratulated me on my World titles with the words 'you did good, English' and a hearty slap on the back that nearly broke ribs! I was pleased to meet him again in Switzerland & look forward to seeing my new friend when I defend my World titles in Italy this October; the photo shows him congratulating me after I announced that I would not be retiring from the sport just yet!!

IN THE PRESS: TWO TOP GUNS MEET

Hi

Following on from my recent blog about the presentation of a special achievement award by Delphi VP Guy Hachey, I am pleased to see some great press about the event, where I was presented with a gorgeous Waterford Crystal Bowl during a flattering meeting with Mr Hachey & over a dozen top Delphi executives.

DELPHI PRESIDENT TO PRESENT SPECIAL AWARD

Hello Friends

I a little bit of special news for you - I have been informed by my current employer & Euro sponsor, Delphi Diesel, that I am to be presented with a special achievement award by none other than the vice president of Delphi Corporation, Mr Guy Hachey. The presentation is taking place on Wednesday 30th May at the Delphi Heavy Duty site in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire & local press will be in attendance. Once again, I am honoured by the support from Delphi & recognition from the vice president is very flattering, as well as being very much appreciated.

More Metalwork

Hello Again

After my success in Switzerland, one of the things I brought back was this nice trophy - another piece of metalwork to add to the collection!

Mean Machine

Hi

I thought you might like to see this - a photo of me preparing during the Euro's....

In The News - Again!

Hiya - a bit of a catch up from me since I came back from Switzerland. Here is a local press cutting that I saw, following my return from the Euro's - nice press to receive!

The New European Champion is.........

Hi Friends

Just thought I'd update you after my return from Switzerland last night. Well, it was an eventful four days - especially trying to get used to the cost of everything; using the hotel gym even cost £10 per session! I guess the investment must have been sorta worthwhile as you are now talking to the New European Champion, as well as the New equipped world record holder! ( It helps when you have a equipped-lift suit that doesn't try to make you sing falsetto when you wear it!) I'd like to thank all of my family, friends, my coach & other well wishers for their ongoing support & encouragement - this gave me the boost to go out there & get those results. More stories to follow soon!

More Power Press for Larry

Hello friends

I was lucky enough to have his great article in a local newspaper following my Mens Health spread - all exposure is very welcome as I countdown towards my trip to Switzerland & the Euro Championships. Watch this space!

Big Up from BDFPA!

Hello once again,

I thought I'd take a few lines just to say a big 'thank you' to Mark Norton of the British Drug Free Powerlifting Association (BDFPA) ; Mark called me up today & commented positively after seeing the MH article & how he felt it promoted the sport in such a favourable light. This feedback is very much appreciated, as one of the main reasons I had for doing the article was to spotlight drug free powerlifting as a sport, and endorsement from the BDFPA is a pleasing acknowledgement indeed.

NEWS FLASH: Larry Gets 6-Page Spread in Top Mens Fitness Magazine

Hi friends

I am very pleased to announce that Mens Health Magazine has published a great 6-page feature article in its May edition, featuring little old me! Some of you who read the blog regularly may recall that in February I announced that I had done an in depth interview with a well known fitness magazine, which at the time had to be kept under wraps to avoid 'spoilers' from other mag's. So, I am really proud to have been featured so prominently in such a respected international magazine, which I hope will give readers a detailed insight in my world of drug free powerlifting, as well as raising the profile of the sport in general. So, for further details, check out pages 142-147 in the May edition of Mens Health! I hope to get the ok to post some or all of it here in due course (for those who are too tight to buy the mag!)

(PS- a big thanks to Dan 'The Man' Jones at Mens Health Magazine)

Delphi Does The Double!

Hi Friends
Just a quick update from me, as it's been a little quiet on the blog front whilst I've been focussing on some intense training for the European Champ's - only 4 weeks to go! Anyway, I really happy to announce that Delphi Diesel Systems have stepped back up to the plate again to provide a major boost for my Switzerland trip; I would especially like to mention Mandy Ramstedt, who has done all of the expert arranging once again, as she did for my Australian trip last year. Thanks Mandy, as well as Maggie & Andy Evans - as those who know me, I'm not any Alan Whicker, so having a few organised people like Mandy to sort out the logistics is very much appreciated. This will allow me to focus solely on going there & aim to do some great things; if all goes to plan, I hopefully bring back something better than some swiss cheese & chocolate!

Club Boss Comes Up Trumps for Euro Trip

The management team behind Evesham venues 'Innuendos' and 'Amber' have really come up trumps with their support for my Switzerland trip. When I spoke to my old friend & venue manager Kieran about my progress, he instantly went on a crusade through all of his local contacts to rally support to help with funding. All I can say is a big thank you to all that have been involved, as it is now almost definate that my Euro trip will happen, thanks to Kieran & all the staff at 'Innuendos' & 'Amber'. Please show your support to these venues when you visit Evesham - I can highly recommend both of them.

Larry Gets Support from Another Big Lifter!

When local businessman Keith Rhodes heard about my quest to go to the European Championships, he was more than happy to lift my sponsorship funds by pledging support. Keith owns a whole fleet of industrial cranes & forklift trucks which he uses day to day whilst moving & installing industrial machinery, so is no stranger to 'real' heavy lifting! He has followed my progress from the World Championships & has been a great support this time; with the support of people like Keith, I will go to the Euro Championships and aim to break that elusive 300kg barrier - not quite as high as what Keith lifts, but it ain't bad for an old guy like me!

New Larry Whyte Press Release (Edited)

Nifty–fifty year old champion powerlifter Larry Whyte aims to follow-up on his recent 4 gold medal win from the World Drug Free Powerlifting Championships with a new continental trip, in a bid to bring some more gold home from the forthcoming European Championships.

Larry returned to the sport after a 15 year absence to compete in the World Championships held in Bendigo, Australia in November 2006, where he won an impressive 4 gold medals in the 90Kg category, as well as smashing two world records in the process. Prior to this, Whyte had re-entered the Drug-Free Powerlifting world in superb form after becoming the British Masters Champion, as well as the Midlands Masters Champion.

He modestly thanks all the support from the sponsors who made it possible for him to attend the Bendigo event, and now desperately needs them once more to assist his funding the journey to Europe:

“I was overwhelmed by the feedback I got after my victory in Australia, and I want to repay the kindness by making my supporters proud by unifying the World & European titles” says Larry. “But I’ll need to rely on their generosity and support if I’m going to lift Britain into the upper echelons of drug-free powerlifting before I retire”

In what may probably be his final competitive event, Larry hopes that his efforts have created a healthy statement for youngsters that inspires them to succeed without the use of drugs. With this in mind, world champion Whyte has just qualified as a trained gym instructor, so he can pass on some of his success secrets to others who have their sights set on health & fitness goals.

Euro Aims Get a Further Lift!

Hello Again

As the deadline approaches for entry into the European Drug Free Weightlifting Championships, I am pleased to say I have received further pledges of support from a number of different local companies - these are namely Nortim Tools, KL Precision Engineering, Scorpion Tooling & M & D Services. I would like to thank all of the proprietors of these companies for their ongoing support, as this means I am now able to finance the trip to Switzerland & see if I can grab a few more golds to add to my collection, as well as aiming to smash that elusive 300Kg barrier!

In The News Again - Larry's All Gold

A Recent newspaper article following my Sponsorship Quest

Fancy A Trip to Switzerland ?

Hi friends
I just thought I'd mention that if you weren't busy on Friday 27th-Sunday 29th April, feel free to join me at the 2007 European Single Event Powerlifting Championships being held at Horgen, near Zurich in Switzerland (pending enough sponsorship, that is!) It would be nice to have a few 'followers' to spur me on, as this was something I missed during the World Championships in Bendigo last year ( although the locals took great care of me & formed their own 'possee' ) Just think - you can also do some great skiiing, as well as shop for watches & chocolate! What more do you want ? (apart from free flights & accomodation!)

Incidentally, for anyone who would like more information about powerlifting or the BDFPA ( British Drug Free Powerlifting Association) you can contact me directly via e-mail at larry@championpersonaltraining.com or follow the link in my recommended links section.

Check Out My Hot Links

Hello again
I'm being very productive today, with two blog posts uploaded & a load of calls to the media. Whilst you are checking out my blog, please take a few moments to also investigate my recommended links; these are all contacts that I personally endorse & people who have supported me solidly. I would particularly like to single out Lee Powell - the owner of Severnside Gym; Lee kindly let me do a BBC TV interview at his gym a short while ago, as well as looking after the reporter from a certain well known fitness magazine when he visited. Severnside Gym is gonna be home to me for the next few months as I train for the European Championships, so let me to big up Mr Lee Powell for allowing me to use his facilities & for his ongoing support.

Nutritional Support For Larry

Hi there
Just a quick note of thanks to Gary Sullivan & all the gang at The Lantern Eating House at 62 Bridge St. in Evesham. They have one of my favourite eateries in the area, with an extensive menu & well recommended if you ever pass this way.
Anyway, these guys have pledged to support my quest to Europe, which is really appreciated - nice to get the recognition at a local level too.

Hot Gossip From Well Known Fitness Magazine

Hello again
Just thought I'd give you a little hot news from my friend at a well known fitness magazine. He visited me a short while ago & spent a whole day learning about what goes into the average day of a World Champion Power Lifter; he was also game enough to bring his gym kit along & be 'baptised' ( his words) into Powerlifting training. Anyway, he was accompanied by a photographer who took various shots of me getting cold in the gym with my shirt off! No - seriously, I had a recent mail from him which said that these proof shots he'd seen were superb - these are the ones that should accompany a big article coming out in May, featuring yours truly! Anyway, I have been promised some copies, which I will post here for those who would find them of interest! (unless I get too embarrassed!) NB - this will be after the magazine is published for reasons of exclusivity(sorry)

Just Missed with USN Support

I forgot to mention in last post that I narrowly missed out on sponsorship by USN - Ultimate Sports Nutrition. I had a kind e-mail saying I'd just missed their allocation for 2007, but they were kind enough to send some promo gear & offer a healthy discount on any product I needed. Thanks USN - it all helps.

On The Campaign Trail

Since my last entry, I have been hot on the campaign trail trying to get enough sponsorship together to go to the European Championships. I've also been gearing up to get into training mode, so look out Lee Powell & all at the Severnside Gym - I'll be landing soon!

I must say a few thank you's to the local businesses that again have pledged to help me to get to Europe; these are the guys that have started the ball already rolling - KL Precision Engineering, Nortim Tools, APS Electrical & Keith Rhodes, to name but a few. Cheers guys - the faith & support is all appreciated

Welcome to my world!

Hey Guys - Welcome to my first ever blog entry.

Gee, this is kinda scary & cool at the same time. I'll try to make this an interesting read for anyone who wants to read about what I get up to - especially as I get towards the European Powerlifting Championships in early spring. Hopefully, I can get enough sponsors to get me over there to compete, so I can emulate my success in the World Championships that were held last year in Australia ( I got 4 Golds, despite having a very painful assisted-lift suit!)

I'll also let you know how I get on as a newly qualified Personal Trainer - I have got a load of people lined up who want my help, so I should have plenty to write about!

Watch this space!