- Meet the Exec -
Dean Bowring - President
Dean is a true icon of powerlifting (did you know he has a Wikipedia page?!). As an M2, he out-totalled all but two at the 2024 British Championships last year on a bad day, forfeiting his own lifts to coach others. A World Champion, if there's a competition in the IPF, Dean has probably won it.
As head coach of the British Equipped Open Team, Dean has guided other lifters to success while always making time to support lifters of all abilities. His kindness, expertise, and dedication make him a treasured leader, and we’re deeply honoured to have him as our president.
Best Lifts (Equipped)
Squat 420kg/Bench 305.5kg/Deadlift 365kg/Total 1065kg
Ashraf Alhasan - Chairman
Ash has been at the helm of South Midlands Powerlifting for over 3 years, ensuring competitions run smoothly and the division thrives. Working closely with Dean and Dave, Ash’s leadership, positivity, and enthusiasm have been key to building the supportive community we’re proud of today.
A dedicated lifter himself, Ash’s progress continues to inspire, reflecting his commitment to the sport. Known for his humour and light-hearted approach, Ash keeps powerlifting fun and welcoming for everyone.
We’re lucky to have Ash leading the way with heart, vision, and a smile that makes all lifters feel at home.
Best Lifts (Classic)
Squat 240kg/Bench 152.5kg/Deadlift 285kg/Total 672.5kg
Kyran O'Neill - General Secretary
Kyran may prefer to stay out of the spotlight, but his contributions to the division are nothing short of invaluable. If you've ever reached out to us via email or message, chances are it’s Kyran who’s been quick to reply.
His administrative skills keep everything running smoothly, from organising meetings and competitions to handling referee exams and maintaining the division's records. Thanks to Kyran, we can focus on lifting without worrying about the paperwork.
While Kyran may not always be the first on the platform, he’s no stranger to it. However, if given the choice, powerlifting would be a two-lift sport—with deadlifts firmly excluded! (Maybe he’d feel differently if he trained them a bit more.)
Biggest Lifts (Classic)
Squat 250kg/Bench 147.5kg/Deadlift 237.5kg/Total 620kg
Carly Dalton - Treasurer
With a strong finance background, Carly has seamlessly stepped into a role that perfectly matches her expertise, dedicating herself to enhancing the lifter experience. Behind the South Midlands Championships and key sponsorships, Carly’s hard work and no-nonsense approach are central to the division’s success. She’s known for speaking her mind and getting things done although she can be taken out by a single slice of Hovis!
Rest assured, the division’s finances are in safe hands, and Carly ensures every penny is wisely invested. After making a triumphant comeback to the platform in 2024 following injury, Carly returned stronger than ever, jumping straight into Nationals with impressive results.
Best Lifts (Classic)
Squat 157.5kg/Bench 75kg/Deadlift 172.5kg/Total 402.5kg
Mat Hallet - Competitions Officer
When it comes to powerlifting, there’s one thing you can’t miss—Mat’s iconic tash, undoubtedly the best in the sport. But it’s not just about the facial hair; Mat is a true powerlifting all-rounder. He lifts, referees, runs platforms, organises competitions, and handles lifters with ease. If you have a powerlifting question, Mat’s the guy to ask.
As an international lifter, Mat has seen the sport at every level, making him the perfect fit for his role as Competitions Officer. A clear, logical thinker, Mat is always ready to solve problems and ensure competitions run smoothly.
On the platform, Mat is a regular in the British Open Equipped squad, claiming gold at the 2023 Western European Championships and earning a bronze bench finish at the 2024 European Championships. Whilst he probably out-benches your deadlift, Mat remains one of the most down-to-earth and approachable guys around.
Best Lifts (Equipped)
Squat 345kg/Bench 265kg/Deadlift 232.5kg/Total 8kg
Miriam Weber - Communications Officer
Known as the pink princess of equipped lifting, Miriam keeps equipment suppliers on their toes with her insistence on custom pink gear. But don’t be fooled; it’s not all style over substance. In just a year of competing, Miriam earned a spot on the British Equipped Bench Team, and she’s gearing up for an exciting full-power comeback this year.
A friendly and approachable presence in British Powerlifting, Miriam is perfectly suited for her role. As the face behind our social media channels, she’s often the first person you’ll meet—and her enthusiasm and warmth set the tone for our entire community.
Best Lifts (Equipped)
Squat 175kg/Bench 130kg/Deadlift 142.5kg/Total 403kg
Lukas Amosovas - University Representative
Renowned for his innovative designs and unmatched livestream overlays showcased at competitions like SBD Sheffield, Lukas’s creative genius knows no bounds. Beyond his design talents, he works closely with the division’s universities, organising standout events like the South Midlands University Championships and Varsity competitions—beloved by university members for their exceptional attention to detail and production quality.
Lukas continually finds new ways to give back to the sport, proving his dedication to British Powerlifting in every role he takes on.
Best Lifts (Classic)
Squat 200kg/Bench 135kg/Deadlift 237.5kg/Total 572.5kg
Nash Hunter - Hampshire Representative
Nash started his lifting journey in the classic category, quickly making a name for himself as a staple at Master's Nationals before transitioning to equipped lifting, where he’s continued to excel taking Commonwealth and European titles. Nash is a regular competitor, always seen on the platform showcasing his strength.
Representing his home county of Hampshire, Nash is a friendly and dedicated advocate for powerlifting, actively promoting the sport throughout the region. His passion and commitment make him a key figure in the South Midlands community.
Best Lifts (Equipped)
Squat 207.5kg/Bench 127.5kg/Deadlift 250kg/Total 570kg
Andrew McEllistrim - Oxfordshire Representative
Don’t recognise him? You should! Andrew is a familiar face on British Powerlifting platforms, always ensuring lifters stay safe and compete at their best. Born from a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, this part-time powerlifter, full-time whippet, made the move from North West Powerlifting to South Midlands—and their loss has been our gain.
With a wealth of experience, Andrew is exactly the kind of person we need as our Oxfordshire Rep. Always focused on improving the lifter experience, he’s constantly thinking about how to move the division and the sport forward. His commitment to the community and the sport is what makes him such a valuable asset. He's also one of the strongest on the exec team looking at hitting that incredibly impressive 100 GL points in the near future.
Best Lifts (Classic)
Squat 270kg/Bench 155kg/Deadlift 315kg/Total 737.5kg
Charlie Knight - Berkshire Representative
Meet Charlie, the King of the North... but also part of the South Midlands. Legend has it, the last Krispy Kreme was snatched just moments before this photo was taken. Charlie hosts multiple competitions each year at his specialist strength facility, Red Beard Barbell Club in Berkshire.
Another prime example of an Exec member who does it all, Charlie is a dedicated volunteer who not only hosts and referees competitions but also rolls up his sleeves to make sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. While we haven’t seen him on the platform much recently, we’re hopeful that his busy schedule will soon allow him to get back to lifting.
Charlie proves that you don’t need to compete multiple times a year to give back to the sport—leading by example, and we love it.
Best Lifts (Classic)
Squat 170kg/Bench 110kg/Deadlift 200kg/Total 480kg
Danny Evans - Buckinghamshire Representative
While Mat may have the best tash, Danny certainly takes the crown for best beard. A true powerhouse on the platform, Danny has represented South Midlands at multiple Inter-Divisionals and recently competed for England at the Home Nations. He’s also made his mark on the Commonwealth platform, appearing two years in a row.
After smashing his 700kg total target in 2024, we’re excited to see what Danny will achieve this year. Outside of competition, he’s taken on the role of Buckinghamshire Rep, committed to growing the lifting community and ensuring lifters' voices are heard.
If you thought you saw a Viking on the platform, it was probably Danny!
Best Lifts (Classic)
Squat 272.5kg/Bench 142.5kg/Deadlift 292.5kg/Total 700kg
Dave Murray - Isle of Wight Representative
Last but certainly not least is Dave. An equipped lifter with a powerhouse squat and bench, Dave is one of the foundational pillars of South Midlands Powerlifting, helping it grow into the thriving community it is today.
We joke that Dave is playing "Exec Bingo" since he’s held nearly every Exec position at one point or another. Now, he’s stepped into the role of Isle of Wight Rep, dedicated to supporting and growing competitions on the Island. His vast experience on the Exec is an incredible asset, helping guide new members while ensuring the division continues to thrive.
We never want to see the day Dave steps away from the exec—his leadership and commitment are invaluable to all of us.
Best Lifts (Equipped)
Squat 275kg/Bench 195kg/Deadlift 215kg/Total 660kg