2 minute read
RAISING THE BAR
Raising the bar
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.
Advertisement
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, 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.
He explained about what he does to ensure his athletes that he trains in the right mindset.
Paul has competed in shot putt, discus, hammer, occasionally long jump and occasionally Javelin.
In 1973, Paul was selected for Wales, competing against Holland in Shot Putt. He won the European international event.
Paul recalls many competitions with Geoff Capes, former Commonwealth Champion, European Champion and twice World’s Strongest Man. At 6ft5 inches he made a huge impression wherever they went.
Paul ended up driving to Wales for a competition with Geoff Capes and talks about when they were in a bar playing a ‘finger game’ where you linked a finger and tried not to let go. One particular time, Paul laughs “Geoff ended up dragging someone across the entire restaurant, table and chairs went flying but neither would let go!.”
It is during the darkest times in our life that we realise what is most important to us. Paul Rees is currently fighting terminal pancreatic cancer. The club and supporters took part in a bench press challenge in aid of raising money for children with cancer. They have currently raised £2,342 in total, but the club are still raising money.
The fact that Paul is going through chemotherapy and still trained for the event is worth donating in itself. Not to mention that charities worldwide have been facing difficult times during Covid19, the pandemic has made fundraising almost impossible.
“I was told an average person with Pancreatic at my stage would only last 3 months”
...to which Stay Connected replied: “Lets face it Paul you have never been average!”
