A HUSBAND and wife powerlifting duo from Colchester have proven age really is just a number after a string of successes.

Catherine Wass, 66, and Stuart Hamilton, 59, performed remarkable feats of strength at the British Powerlifting Championships, held in Manchester, over the weekend.

The pair have four grandchildren, ranging from 18 years old, to just 5 months old. Stuart is in the Master 4 class, which corresponds to the 55, to 60 age group. He lifts in the 90-kilo class.

Catherine is in the Master 6 class, in the 60, to 70 age group, having just celebrated her 66th birthday. She is in the 75-kilo bodyweight class, benching far more than her weight.

Catherine, a former world champion in the sport, made a remarkable comeback with an exceptional performance.

She surpassed her own bench press record, setting a new world record with an impressive 82.5kg.

She also established a new British record in the deadlift discipline, lifting a remarkable 125kg.

Stuart secured victory in his class at the championships, achieving a bench press of 170kg and a deadlift of 225kg.

Both totals were only a few kilograms short of his personal bests, but Stuart says he was already content with the successes achieved on the day.

Stuart, who has triumphed in the British Championship eight times, remains humble despite his consistent success and recognises the increasing competition in the sport.

Gazette: Heavy - Stuart attempting a lift.Heavy - Stuart attempting a lift. (Image: Newsquest)

He said: "With the rising interest in strength sports, each year the competition becomes tougher.

“Luckily, powerlifting is one sport that you can make improvements throughout your life."

The incredible performances of grandparents Catherine and Stuart have once again solidified their positions as renowned powerlifters in the country.

Following their outstanding performance at the British Powerlifting Championships, Catherine and Stuart have now earned the opportunity to represent their country at the upcoming World Championships.

The winners will be selected to represent Team GB in an international powerlifting event.

In addition to their natural ability, the couple success can also be attributed to their surroundings.

They are owners of Hamilton's Fitness Centre, in Colchester Business Park, Catherine and Stuart, and have therefore created an ideal training environment.

They have access to top-notch strength and conditioning facilities, allowing them to fine-tune their skills and maintain peak physical fitness.

Their fellow competitors, who train alongside them, also provide them with valuable support and camaraderie.

"The longer you go on the better you get," added Stuart. 

For more information on their story and Stuart’s gym visit bit.ly/3Mw7g53.