From Linden Homes site manager to strong man

After retiring from premiership rugby around four years ago, Rod Latham took up an equally energetic hobby – powerlifiting!

Now the 43-year-old Linden Homes site manager has his eyes on a national prize, having qualified for the British Masters Powerlifting Championships next month.

Rod started working at Linden Homes’ King Edgars Court development in Howden last October, and was spotted by a trainer at a local gym, lifting weights normally associated with a more elite athlete.

He said: “I lifted weights as part of my rugby training, but when I retired I went on to powerlifting. I used to go to a gym but now train four days a week at my garage-turned-gym. I’ve always enjoyed keeping fit and the powerlifiting certainly helps with my day job!”

Rod recently represented the Great Britain Powerlifting Federation’s York and North East Division in a regional competition where he qualified for the masters.

Rod – who can comfortably lift 210kg bench pres, 320kg squat and 320kg deadlift - will take on around 15 other powerlifters at the event in Birmingham on 20 August for the title.

Linden Homes production manager Kevin Hoyland said: “Rod is a great guy and very well known around the area from his professional rugby days. He is now making a name for himself through the power lifting and we all wish him well for the competition next month.”

For more information, visit: lindenhomes.co.uk