An Iron Giant: Northern powerlifting legend, Andy BOLTON

Whippets - Check; Flat caps - Check; Coal dust - Check; The untapped potential of a million doctors, lawyers and engineers, who can't find a job - Check.
The frozen wasteland of the North is as unforgiving as it bleak and, as a result, it tends to breed individuals who are willing to fight for their place in the annals of History, or just fight full stop.

It is with this gusto, passion and determination that Andy BOLTON has been written into Powerlifting folklore.
His record of achievement stands as tall and proud as the man himself, and as a testament to that is an extract of the omnipotent eye of his Wikipedia page:

Powerlifting official competition records:
equipped

• Squat - 1213 lbs/550.5 kg
• Bench Press - 771 lbs/350 kg
• Deadlift - 1008.6 lbs/457.5 kg

raw

• Bench Press - 600.8 lbs/272.5 kg[5] raw
• Deadlift - 964.5 lbs/437.5 kg

Not only did he achieve such monster results but he also competed, and came fifth, in the 2002 Arnold Strongman Classic.

All of these results are a tale of graft, REAL hard work and dedication to the cause of testing his limits as a human being. He deserves respect just for his dedication, never mind the results and accolades. It is whilst writing this, that I'm reminded of the current trend to flit from fad to fad, from neon pseudo-boxing gym to drunken spin class. In the end, if you want to succeed at anything then you need to have the determination of a Stag during rutting season, the repetitive skill of an accountant in March and above all, loyalty to those that have assisted you in your journey, who endure and support you throughout whatever endeavour you are pursuing.

Andy is a template for you: Work hard, be determined and achieve.