Liam Larkins is a 16-year-old from the suburbs of Melbourne who barracks for Collingwood, loves any Adam Sandler movie and likes to hang out with his mates on the weekend. That is where the typical teenage profile ends.

Larkins has a black belt in taekwondo, is a national junior champion in weightlifting and will represent Australia in this sport at the first ever Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in August.

“I lift in the 77kg class,” Larkins said. “My best snatch is 96kg and a Clean & Jerk of 116kg. I am currently ranked number one in Australia in both my weight class and overall.”

The 16-year-old is determined to be the best he can be at the Games. He is passionate about the sport, focussed and dedicated to his training.

“I am pushing myself to get personal bests. I want to lift 100kg (current best 95kg) in the snatch and 120kg (current best 116kg) in the clean and jerk,” Larkins said. 

“I am really excited to get the opportunity to do what I love best on such a big stage and meet athletes from all over the world,” he added.

Larkins rates the Rocky series as his favourite movies and uses them as part of his preparation.

“I like to watch Rocky prior to a competition as well as listening to my top 50 songs,” he said.

He is also inspired by great Australian weightlifters, Damian Brown and Robert Kabbas.

“Robert Kabbas, arguably Australia’s greatest weightlifter and my coach, has been sensational to me. I don’t think I would be where I am now with my lifting without Rob. He is a wonderful role model.”

“Damian Brown has also been a great role model. He is a great Australian weightlifter in the same weight class as me. He often turns up to my competitions in Melbourne to watch me lift and has given me good advice.”

Larkins has been connected to weightlifting since he was young and took up the sport seriously in 2006.

“My dad used to do weightlifting so I always had some interest in it,” he said.

“I was watching the weightlifting at the 2006 Commonwealth Games on TV and decided I would like to give it a go. I haven’t looked back since.”

Larkins does not have much spare time as he is studying for his school finals, but when he does he loves to hang out with friends.

“I like to chill with my best mate Emmy, kick the footy and watch movies. I don’t get a lot of free time as I’m studying VCE (Year 11), training regularly and working. 

“I would love to have some sponsorship so I could quit work and concentrate more on my studies and training! “

Weightlifting will feature six weight divisions for men and five for women and will run across five days, beginning on August 15.  

 

Frances Cordaro
AOC