A COLWYN Bay sports scholar is about to embark on his first weightlifting appearance for Team GB this week.

Josh Lynch, a Year 9 pupil at Rydal Penrhos School, will be part of the British contingent that competes at the European Youth Weightlifting Championships at the stunning Lignano Sabbiadoro in Italy.

The 14-year-old holds a number of Welsh records during what has been standout young career to date, and he has been honing his skills ahead of the competition under the guidance of Commonwealth Games athlete and coach Harry Misangyi.

He also attended a Team GB Training Camp held at Loughborough University, and has been working incredibly hard with Rydal Penrhos’ dedicated Strength and Conditioning team as part of the school’s sports scholarship programme.

Mr Misangyi, said: “Josh has made multiple personal bests in this block of training including a 90kg snatch, and a 150kg back squat. He is showing great progression not only in his physical ability but his mental attitude is also coming a long way which is vital in sport.

“He is diligent in everything that he does and this is why he is the best in Britain in his category. There are less than ten sessions left for Josh now before he competes at the European Youths, so the focus is high and the training is tough.

“He made the journey to Italy on July 20 and competes on the 25th, exciting times ahead.”

In addition to his weightlifting exploits, Josh is also a member of the Sale Sharks Player Development rugby programme and also captained RGC West during the previous campaign.