WEIGHTLIFTER Tom Baty could be set to represent the UK at the World Special Olympics after heaving his way to another title. Tom, who has Down s Syndrome, lifted a massive combined total of 342.5kgs on his way to winning the 82.5kg senior division at the

WEIGHTLIFTER Tom Baty could be set to represent the UK at the World Special Olympics after heaving his way to another title.

Tom, who has Down's Syndrome, lifted a massive combined total of 342.5kgs on his way to winning the 82.5kg senior division at the Scottish Special Olympics Powerlifting Championships.

His mammoth effort included setting a personal best in the dead lift of 140kgs, as well as equalling his best squat lift of 120kgs. He also managed 82.5kgs in the bench press.

Tom's father and coach Richard said: "There were UK coaches at the championships and they said he has the potential to progress further and lift heavier weights and represent the UK in 2011.

"Tom has trained hard at the Ironworks Gym in Wisbech and thoroughly deserves his success. He impressed everyone with his faultless technique.

"We are all really proud of his achievement and he can now look forward to representing the Eastern Region at the UK Special Olympics next year."

Tom, 24, from Church Road, Walsoken, started weightlifting about four years ago after Mr Baty watched some powerlifting at a Special Olympics event in Cardiff.

Mr Baty, an economics and business studies teacher at Wisbech Grammar School, said: "He did gymnastics before that at a club in Peterborough because it was good exercise.

"But I knew he was quite strong and that the event would suit him a lot."

Tom's success at the Scottish Championships, held on Saturday in Livingston near Edinburgh, comes after he won the junior title at the same event in 2006. He also represented the Eastern Region in the UK Special Olympics in 2005.