A Wokingham man is preparing to compete at the World Powerlifting Championships this September after becoming both the European and British Masters Champion in his category.
Mark Payne, 61, recently won the European Masters Bench Press and Deadlift titles, and is the current British Masters Full Power Champion in the ABPU Men’s Raw 82.5kg M5 (60–65) class. He also competes internationally as a GB lifter.
During the 2025/26 season, Mark set five British Masters records, reflecting his rapid rise in the sport and his position among the strongest lifters in his age group.
Mark began competing at 60, after deciding to pursue something he genuinely enjoyed as he moved into retirement following a long career as a qualified accountant.
He trains locally at Arc Gym in Woosehill, and hopes his story encourages others in Wokingham and the wider Berkshire community to stay active and try new challenges later in life.
“I only started competing at 60, and I’ve really enjoyed the challenge,” he said. “It’s given me something positive to focus on as I move into retirement.”
Mark will represent Great Britain at the World Championships in September 2026, where he has a realistic opportunity at winning a gold medal.
