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Meet the team

Andrew Kearton

Owner & Head Coach

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Qualifications: BWL Level 2 & Competition Licence

Level 3 Personal Trainer

Experience:  10+ years

Occupation:  Owner/Head Coach

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Favourite Lift: Both of them!!

 

I have been involved in Weightlifting for over 10 years. After successful time as a competitive Powerlifter during my early 20s, my coach at the time, Ron Brett encouraged me to try weightlifting which I fell in love with instantly and enjoyed the training immensely. Unfortunately, my coach Ron moved away and so i took a break and moved into long distance running. 

I ventured back into weightlifting in my mid 30s (After watching the Olympics in 2012) and now compete as a masters lifter, nationally and internationally. 

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I love coaching the sport of weightlifting as it gives me a great sense of satisfaction and reward, especially when a new athlete walks through the door and starts their journey into the sport of Weightlifting. 

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Things you might not know about me....

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I have played drums professionally for over 30 years and have had my band's music featured in lots of American films and tv! I lived in Los Angeles and played gigs there for 2 years. 

 

I also hold a 2nd Dan Black Belt in Korean Karate

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Seb Biggins

Coach & Talent Academy Youth Coach

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Qualifications: BWL Level 2 & Level 3 Personal Trainer

Experience:  6 years 

Occupation: Sports Therapist & Practice Educator

Favourite Lift: Snatch

 

I began Olympic Weightlifting 6 years ago after becoming frustrated with powerlifting and general strength training - it lacked the technical and mental challenges I needed to stimulate and motivate me. After watching weightlifting for several months, it tickled something which other training styles never had, and after my first Olympic Weightlifting session I was hooked - it was fast, technical, challenging and forced me to think. For me, weightlifting presents an addictive sense of achievement. I love it because there's always more to learn and never-ending challenges.

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As well as working as a qualified Sports Therapist, I am also a Practice Educator at the University of Essex. I feel passionately about bringing my knowledge and skills to Colchester Weightlifting, working with our athletes to help prevent and resolve any injuries that may occur,

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Things you might not know about me...

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My previous sporting history involves rugby, tennis and cycling - I'm also currently planning some mountain hikes, starting with Snowdon.

 

I can play the piano. 
 
My favourite food is literally anything Thai, Korean or Malaysian.

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I am obsessed with my Cocker Spaniel, Che!

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Heather Burt

Coach & Talent Academy Youth Coach

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Qualifications: BWL Level 2 & Technical Official Licence

Experience:  6 years

Occupation: Accountant

Favourite Lift: Clean and Jerk

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My introduction to weightlifting came when I took part in a 10 week weightlifting course at the crossfit gym I was a member of and as result discovered I wasn’t completely terrible at it. I made the decision to switch my focus over and competed at my first British Championships four months later, the rest is history.

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Since then I have competed nationally four more times, including a silver medal at the 2019 English Championships.  I also got to compete in Montreal at the 2019 Masters World Championships.

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Weightlifting is my passion, I live for that feeling when you walk out onto the platform to take that first lift or the high after a PB and recently, I have also discovered the joy I feel when helping other people to realise their own potential in a coaching capacity.

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Things you might not know about me...

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I have always participated in competitive sport including swimming and equestrianism - I even used to compete in high jump for my school athletics team...shocking for someone of my height!

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Outside of weightlifting in my limited spare time I enjoy walking (mostly with my dog Todd), cooking, reading and spending time with my daughter who is also a youth member at Colchester Weightlifting!

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Emily Alcock

Club Captain & Technical Official

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Qualifications: Technical Official Licence 

Experience:  6 years

Occupation: Operations Analyst

Favourite Lift: Snatch 

 

I first tried weightlifting in 2017 after I was advised to take up weight training to aid the symptoms I was experiencing with my hyper mobility. Before long, I was absolutely hooked! I loved training in such a friendly and sociable environment and for the first time in my life, I was actually enjoying a sport rather than simply exercising. 

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I love challenging myself as a weightlifter and would love to compete nationally one day. I also enjoy learning about the technical aspects of the sport.

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Things you might not know about me...

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In addition to my day job in the insurance industry, I am also a qualified eye lash technician. 

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If I am not at work or in the gym, you will most likely find me reading, shopping or out eating with friends and family.

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Clair Fiddaman

Technical Official

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Qualifications: Technical Official Licence 

Experience:  7 years

Occupation: Senior Business Analyst

Favourite Lift: Snatch 

 

I got in to weightlifting via CrossFit. I found I got much more enjoyment from lifting heavy things than doing lots of burpees! I then discovered that, due to my age, I could qualify for Masters competitions, so I began to take my training a lot more seriously and since 2017 I have competed in numerous national competitions, gaining a number of titles and even a British Record!

 

I absolutely love weightlifting and the buzz it gives me when a lift goes really well!

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Things you might not know about me...

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I was a netball nut from high school playing up to County level, but a rupture of my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in my right knee, and a further operation on the same knee ended my netball days.

 

I lived in California for 18 months in 2000/1.

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