Jamie’s the Junior champ as he picks up his first Irish title

Jamie Hill's weight-lifting career is going from strength to strength.

Banbridge weight-lifter Jamie Hill has claimed his first Irish Junior title.

As he warms up for what is set to be a big year, Jamie has started in sterling form, cruising to victory in the 77kg class with an oustanding 98kg snatch and a 126kg clean and jerk, both competition personal bests.

Having just turned 18 weeks before the Championships, Jamie is one of the youngest lifters in the junior class but has again showed his quality.

There were 22 lifters in various weight categories and out of 22 youth, junior and under 23 year old lifters, Jamie finished an impressive second place overall with a sinclair of 282.71.

Two years ago in this very competition in the youth section, Jamie lifted 138kg, last February he totalled 190kg and this year he totalled 224kg so his progress is outstanding.

Jamie was under considerable pressure as this was a qualifier for the European Juniors in Lithuania in October.

He needed to lift a total of 220kg which he did and now awaits confirmation of selection to represent Ireland later in the year.