REPRESENTATIVES of a Borders gym have returned from a weightlifting competition in Europe with medals.

CrossFit INRZ in Innerleithen sent athletes to the 2024 European Masters Weightlifting Association Championships, held in Haugesund, Norway, last month.

Caroline Connaghan participated in the women’s 45 age group with a bodyweight range of 64–71kg. 

She completed five of the six lift attempts, setting three Scottish masters records – 51kg for the snatch, 65kg for the clean and jerk (just missing 70kg), and 116kg for the total. 

In a competitive field, she won a bronze medal for these lifts.

Annette Oliphant, the gym owner, competed in the women’s 40 age group with a body weight of 64kg. 

She placed in the top 10 in Europe, making four of the six lifts that were attempted. Annette snatched 36kg, barely missing 40kg, and then lifted 55kg in her clean and jerk for a total of 91kg.

Coach Nathan Rainer lifted in the 109+kg bodyweight class for men over 35. 

Out of six attempts, he completed five of them. He broke the clean and jerk and overall Scottish masters records, snatching 120kg and clean and jerking 161kg to win the silver medal.

The entire competition was streamed live on YouTube.

A gym spokesperson said: “CrossFit INRZ members now have access to Olympic weightlifting thanks to Nathan who runs a weekly Olympic weightlifting class at the gym. 

“Naturally, many of these members have advanced to compete, all the while enjoying the health benefits of weightlifting.

“At the Scottish Masters Cup in Broxburn this November, over eight athletes from CrossFit INRZ will compete.

“Unfortunately, CrossFit INRZ will need to relocate from its home in Station Yard, despite the gym’s incredible success. 

“In just under two years the gym has grown to be a fantastic resource for the community. 

“Annette has created a wonderful, encouraging, and welcoming environment that supports each member’s journey toward physical and mental well-being.

“It is necessary to find new premises for this incredible resource. Please get in contact with Annette: net@crossfitinrz.com if you know of a barn or an industrial-style unit that might serve as CrossFit INRZ’s new location.”