Sport Imperial’s Developing Excellence Scheme supported Ian McArdle

Ian McArdle participated to the BDFPA, British Single-Lift finals were held in Horncastle, with the support of Imperial's Developing Excellence Scheme.

Ian McArdle trained with weights for almost ten years, originally to aid his performance in rugby. After rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, he needed surgical reconstruction of his knee. His focus turned to powerlifting in 2009, particularly the unequipped deadlift. In the first competition he qualified for the British Single-Lift Finals for this event in the British Drug-Free Powerlifting Association.

Ian tells us more about the event: 

"The BDFPA British Single-Lift finals were held in Horncastle this year. Thanks to the support from Imperial's Developing Excellence Scheme, I stayed in one of the local hotel the night before the event and got plenty of sleep. I couln't eat or drink to make sure i was not over my weight limit for the competition. 

On the day of the event, the weigh-in and kit check (shoes, socks, singlet, t-shirt and belt all need to be of appropriate material and dimensions) went without a hitch and I could begin eating and drinking a large amount to rehydrate and energise before the event. Before the deadlift competition, all weight classes of equipped bench press had to lift, then I was in the final group ("flight") of the unequipped deadlift as these are in order of weight class. During the four hours of wainting my turn i had the opportunity to watch the previous lifters, a number of whom achieved world records, which was a huge motivation. Particularly inspirational were a middle-aged lady with terminal cancer and a gentleman in his eighties, both still with a desire to compete. 

I started my preparation around thirty minutes before my group was due to start, which was the first time I met most of my opponents. They were mostly much more experienced than I and were happy to talk and offer advice, which was most appreciated. I had never lifted in front of an audience before, so stepping on to the platform for my opening lift of 240kg was a new experience for me, but I made the lift. When it came to my second lift, I managed 250kg, a new personal best for me. It took more energy than I had expected however and felt somewhat drained afterwards so I reduced my third attempt from the planned 260kg to 255kg. I got the bar off the floor with reasonable speed but the lift failed just above the knee.

The day was hugely enjoyable overall, though despite a new personal best I was a little disappointed not to make my final lift but I did finish in first place in my age and weight category. I will be back to compete next year however, by which time I will have improved further and hope to achieve an overall podium finish."