Eight representatives from Darkside Barbell Powerlifting (DSB) enjoyed a successful European Championships as they helped Team GB to a gaggle of medals.

DSB, who train out of Bulldog Power & Strength Gym in High Wycombe, also broke multiple world and European records at the tournament which took place in Rovaniemi, Finland.

The strong showing continues an impressive recent record for the club and Luke Wilson, who manages Bulldog Gym, is understandably pleased to be associated with the athletes.

He said: “Of course you feel proud when they do well. They are all good mates of mine and you see them training pretty much every day.

“It is nice to see them go out there and get rewarded for all the hard work they put in at the gym.”

Husband and wife Danny and Emma Lane were on top form as Danny secured a bronze medal and Emma claimed top spot in both the squat and overall female categories.

Emma lifted a European record 156kg on her way to the squat triumph and went even better with a world record 176kg in the deadlift.

Annjanette Wells continued the winning theme at the championships, with British, European and World records in the squat, deadlift and total events to claim top spot in her class.

A brilliant performance from Chloe Whylie saw her claim a British and European record of 190kg in the squat, and European and World records in the deadlift.

In the men’s competition, Toad Marquis registered a mammoth 235kg in the bench press only division to finish first, while Marc Barnes won gold in his class and a bronze in the overall championship.

Jordan Grimes enjoyed a superb all-round tournament to finish first in his class, the overall standings and the deadlift only competition.

The club’s achievements came as little surprise to Wilson and he believes the return of medals represents progress for DSB.

“Everyone did really well. Pretty much everyone from DSB won their category and there were some big records broken, so it is a good step forward,” he said.

“The next big competition is the British championships which is in November. They will have to qualify and train for that now.”