An Edinburgh weightlifter who began training at age 11 is setting his sights on the Commonwealth Games and Olympic glory.
For 18-year-old Corey Duncan, his training journey started when he attended an intergenerational CrossFit session with his grandfather in 2018.
Less than a decade down the line, his focus has shifted slightly to the world of weightlifting.
Corey’s story could take him to next year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow – and maybe even further.
“I don’t really look back at what I do,” Corey tells STV News. “I look forward and once I achieve something, whether I do it or not, I still look to the future.”
But there is plenty in Corey’s rearview mirror to admire, including becoming a Scottish Champion at junior level and representing Team GB in Greece at youth level.
He hopes to add becoming a British Champion to his accolades later this month (July 12-13) in Birmingham, and with lifts to rival others who are much older than him, it’s certainly within reach.
STV NewsThat could put Corey on the road to potentially qualifying for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next year.
Corey trains and works at CrossFit Murrayfield, under the guidance of coach William Graham, who says the teenager’s determination sets him apart.
“There’s no ceiling for that laddie, if he can put his mind to it, he does work hard,” he added.
“Not only is he working here, he comes in and does two to three-hour training sessions, as well as coaching the adults, he’s coaching the kids.”
The weight that Corey is putting on the bar in lifts such as snatch and clean, and jerk far exceeds his own body weight.
A successful 143kg lift in the clean and jerk last year at the European Championships saw the Edinburgh lifter set a new British record.
That helped him secure a top-ten finish overall in the competition, pitting him against a range of the continent’s best youths.
Corey’s grandad Keith admits it’s been a few years since the youngest began outperforming him in the gym.
STV NewsGrandmother Susan admits it took some getting used to when her grandson started teaching her in the CrossFit Forever classes.
But there’s no doubt both are very proud of him.
Keith said: “How many people get to represent their country?”
“It’s been fantastic for him, it’s wonderful to see.”
Susan added: “His confidence has come on in bounds.
“Compared to the child has was when he was 12, compared to what he is now.”
Corey’s outlook remains the same even as he gets better – aim as high as possible.
Asked about his aspirations he said: “I’ll set my targets very high. I’ll say I want to become an Olympic Champion.
“Will I do it? Probably not.
“But I’m going to try and do it, I’m going to set that as a target – and however I finish, getting up to that point will still be better than if I was to set my ambition lower.”
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