1:00pm Thursday 4th March 2010
By John Boyman
ANDY Bonner may have a trophy cabinet packed full of silverware but he was absolutely delighted to get a very special addition after winning the Gazette Sports Personality of the Year award.
The world champion powerlifter picked up the coveted prize at the Basingstoke and Deane Sports Awards 2009/10, which took place at the Apollo Hotel in Basingstoke last Friday.
Bonner, who founded Basingstoke Powerlifting Club 28 years ago, enjoyed another |outstanding year in 2009, winning the British Unequipped Powerlifting Championships for a 23rd time before grabbing two titles at the World Drug Free Powerlifiting Federation World Championships.
The 54-year-old was forced to switch weight categories on the eve of the British championships but produced a fine display to beat much younger competitors in the under-90kg open event.
Even greater things followed at the world event, where he won the under-90kg 50-55 age category and also came out on top in the open event. That took his personal tally of world titles to 11, while he also broke three world records during the competition.
Despite his success, Bonner said he was surprised and honoured to be named Gazette Sports Personality of the Year.
“I was certainly not expecting to win,” he said. “I am really chuffed because it is not just about what I have done in the last year, it’s about my whole career.
“I have won the county veterans award and the senior award in Basingstoke before but never the sports personality prize. That is the one that has been missing and I am delighted to have got it.”
Bonner is determined that there will be no let-up in his pursuit of glory and he has his sights set on more medals and world records this year.
“I am looking to do the same again in terms of winning the Worlds but my main ambition is to make a 700kg total,” he said. “I would be the first European to do that and there has only been one guy to go over 700kg in the history of my sport.
“The open record is 717kg and I am aiming to go over 700kg at the British Championships and then peak again for the worlds, |hopefully with a new record.”
Despite being classed as a |veteran, Bonner is determined to compete in the open class, against lifters of all ages, for as long as possible.
“There were three or four guys my age who were still competing in the open classes six or seven years ago but they have gradually fallen away and I am the only one left,” he said. “I am not sure how much longer I will be able to do it and always wonder whether this will be my last year.
“I am in better shape this year than I ever have been before, though. That could all change tomorrow but right now I am looking forward to the season and feel great.”
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