Weightlifter Peter Cardona will be carrying a heavy burden into Europe beyond the cold steel of his profession.

Last month, the 50-year-old from Worcester Park won the men’s 50-55-year-old British Masters weightlifting title in the 69kg class.

Now he is heading to Hungary in May for a shot at the European title, with an eye on the world title later this year.

However, although Cardona believes top spot in the Euros is within his grasp, recovery from a niggling calf injury means he is yet to return to the peak of his abilities, which he must do before travelling in Europe.

“It has taken me about 12 weeks to recover from the injury and get back to building up my weights,” he said.

“At the British Masters, I totalled 157kg – 72kg in the snatch and 85kg in the clean and jerk. I would normally lift 100kg in the clean and jerk, and I need to be around there for the Euros.

“My son has worked out a training schedule, which is working so well that I have already achieved the qualification weights for the worlds.

“Before that is the Euros, and this is my first shot at it so it is exciting. I know that if I can add a few more kilos in training that I could even get first.”

In the snatch, the lifter has to hoist the weight above the head in a straight lift in one movement whereas in the clean and jerk, the weight can be rested across their shoulders before pushing the bar above the head.

His son Louis said: “We’re organising his training so that he peaks around competition day at the Euros.

“Based on the results from last year, Dad will be able to win or at least place in the top three if he totals more than 173kg.”

Cardona took up weightlifting in 2008 having spent time boxing, in athletics and playing tennis before being bitten by the power sport bug.

He said: “At first I was able to lift my own body weight but with the training my son has organised, about four times a week, I’ve improved and to have a shot at a European title is quite something.”