Pint-sized powerhouse seeks sponsors to help him carry weight of competing

A pint-sized powerlifting powerhouse with eight world titles under his belt is looking for help to take a weight off his mind.

Tony Pierce, 53, from Macroom in Co Cork, has issued a special appeal for sponsors to back him as he bids for an incredible ninth world title at the World Single Lift Championships in France later this month.

Tony will be among seven Irish athletes taking part in the competition in Auntun, run by the World Power Lifting Drug Free Federation, from June 24 to 26.

Nicknamed “The Legend” by his training partners at Moe’s Gym, Macroom, the 75kg, 5ft 5in father of three said he would appreciate help with the costs.

“I’ve sent out letters to sports companies looking for sponsorship but with the recession, things are tough.

“I would appreciate any help I can get. I’m going to compete either way but it would be great to be able to wear a main sponsor’s T-shirt there.”

Tony specialises in the squat lift, which sees competitors lifting dead weights of up to 200kg.

Lifters are allowed to wear support equipment, including knee wraps, a super suit, and bench shirts before taking a massive dumbell off a set of bars on their shoulders.

They then squat down before powering up to a standing position.

Tony has been crowned world champion in his age and weight group in this event on eight occasions. Now he is going for a ninth world title.

He has also set five world records in various age and weight groups over the years.

The world record for the event in France is 200kg and is held by a Russian lifter.

Tony has lifted 205kgs in the gym, and said he was confident going in to the world finals.

“I may be small, but I don’t have as far to lift as the bigger guys.

“It’s all about pure power, training and technique.

“It’s completely different to bodybuilding because we keep a small bit of fat for strength and power.

“The power comes from my legs and from years of training.

“But it’s really hard training in the six months before a competition.

“I also look after my diet — I just stick to a nice, clean diet, things like tuna and steak.

“By eating good food, you’ll feel good. I take natural food supplements.”

Tony will be cheered on by his wife Josephine and their children, Nicholas, 28, and Shane, 22, both of whom are in Australia, along with Serena, 13.

Tony is a member of the Irish Drug Free Powerlifting Association, which was formed in June 1997 and which is affiliated to the World Drug Free Powerlifting Federation.

* Contact Tony on 086 889 4557.