Topic: News: Frank Rothwell lifts award at special presentation

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

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Frank Rothwell lifts award at special presentation

A FORMER Olympian has been honoured for his services to weightlifting.

Frank Rothwell, who lives in Hebden Bridge, was given a special plaque by the British Weightlifting Association in recognition of his outstanding career achievements, which include representing Ireland at the Munich Olympics in 1972 and being a former Yorkshire and English champion.

“It was a nice surprise,” said Frank. “The decision to choose me would have been made by the top brass at the British Weightlifting Association, who are all ex-weightlifters - so it’s great to be recognised by my peers.”

Frank was given the award, along with five other former weightlifters, at an international competition held at York University.

The event was organized by the Northern Weightlifting Association, which has its base at the Mytholmroyd Community Association Sports Centre, and Frank said he has received plenty of support from the weightlifting fraternity.

“My family and friends are obviously pleased for me,” he said. “But, my weightlifting colleagues on the internet have also given me a great response. I’ve even had messages from as far afield as Australia and the USA.”

During his weightlifting career Frank was also Director of Coaching for the North of England between 1974 and 1980.

He is still heavily involved in local sport and also runs a You Tube channel, which has more than 1,000 subscribers. Frank’s channel can be viewed at www.youtube.com/user/franjete, or via his website at www.myweb.tiscali.co.uk/frankweights.