HEROES
g n i s i ra r a b e th Stay Connected had a socially distanced chat in the garden with Paul Rees, (ensuring to wear masks and wash hands before and after visiting). We asked him about his history at the club and his past that is intertwined with famous athletes. Paul, Former President of Bournemouth Athletics Club, is a dedicated individual, having been involved in sports for his entire life. Originally from Aberdare in Wales, Paul has coached many lifters and athletes. He goes above and beyond to support them to be the best athlete they can be. He has been a part of Bournemouth Barbells, a bench-pressing society based in Bournemouth on the South Coast, for the majority of his life. Many people face problems with motivation, even without the issues that lockdown causes,
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especially when it comes to fitness. We asked Paul about lockdown and the effects of it on athletes at the club he is such a huge part of. “People lose motivation anyway… but in lockdown the problem becomes Paul Ree non-contact with s, Forme r Olympic and athle Power lift other people who te for W er ales, was ‘Hall of F a warded a a m are like minded.” e’ trophy for outsta contribu tion to co nding He explained aching P owerlifti ng. about what he does to ensure his athletes that he trains in the right mindset. “I give them absolute space. The jump and occasionally Javelin. sport is removed, and they are left In 1973, Paul was selected for with a number of variables that Wales, competing against Holland are affecting their life already. They in Shot Putt. He won the European then seek to come back to training international event. because it’s a way to get some Paul recalls many competitions relief from the other variables.” with Geoff Capes, former Paul has competed in shot putt, Commonwealth Champion, discus, hammer, occasionally long European Champion and twice < BACK TO CONTENTS >