Postman puts his stamp on world powerlifting title
AGAINST ALL the odds Wexford postman Karl Sexton sensationally delivered a world powerlifting title in Belgium at the weekend.
Karl, originally from Glynn and now living in Piercestown, was taking part in the Drug-Free Powerlifting World Championships being held in Antwerp on Sunday last.
However, all did not go to plan, when on the morning of the competition a last-minute administration discrepancy ruled Karl out of his specialist event – The unequipped Deadlift.
However, after missing the 2004 and 2006 World Championships through injury, Karl was not going to be beaten that easily.
Disappointed, but still eager to salvage something from the weekend, Karl set his sights on an afternoon event that he had never trained for – the equipped deadlift (equipped meaning competitors are allowed wear a special suit which aids in lifting heavier weights).
Having no such suit the father of two decided to enter the event unaided and duly saw off all competition to secure the title, just missing out on a new personal best of 270kg.
'It's a little disappointing not getting a personal best at a world championship,' Karl said afterwards 'but it's a huge relief to take the title having been out of the event earlier.'
As well as being sponsored by Springsteens Diner in Wexford, Karl was also helped out on his way to the world title by his colleagues in the An Post Social Club
