Alun Wyn Jones, Gareth Bale, Joe Calzaghe. Welsh sporting superstars that have rightly become household names and heroes for us all to admire and be proud of. But what about the name Phil Richard? No? I didn’t think so.
Yet in his own field, Phil has equaled the exploits of his more illustrious compatriots and continues to do so; breaking British and World records along the way.
Hailing from Swansea, Phil has been collecting titles in Powerlifting for over 30 years.
I sat down with Phil to find out what set him on his path, what motivates him and what his hopes are for the future.
So tell me how you got started Phil, what was it that attracted you to Powerlifting?
Well I initially started attending the old John Burns gym in Swansea just as a way of keeping fit and there happened to be a few power lifters there that approached me and asked me to give it a try. I was very reluctant at first but after looking into it a little, I thought I’d give it a go.
And what would you say has been your biggest achievement in the sport? What are you most proud of?
I think my proudest moment was being elected to the European Powerlifting Hall of Fame. This doesn’t take anything away from the World and European titles I’ve won, but to be recognised by my peers in the Federation was something very special.
I know you’re still going strong Phil, what are your current goals? What have you got left to achieve?
Well this year is obviously a little different coming out of the Covid situation; this time last year I was planning the year ahead and having just turned fifty and moving into a new age category, my goal was just to compete everywhere I could, break as many records as possible and just generally have as much fun as I could with the lifting. These targets have obviously had to be put back a little bit it’s still definitely the long term plan. The first step is the first UK held Arnold Classic and as it’s classed as an international event, I can attempt to break some European and World Records.
Finally Phil, I know there are lots of youngsters that will be inspired by your work and success; what advice would you have for anyone wanting to get started in Powerlifting?
I think the most important piece of advice would be not to rush anything. Don’t sacrifice form and technique for weight. Once your form is right, the weight will come. This will also help you stay injury free, healthy and able to stay in the sport much longer.
