NEXT year promises to be a big one for Derby weightlifter Chris Freebury.

The 20-year-old, from Allestree, looks set to travel to Delhi next October for the Commonwealth Games – with one eye on the Olympic Games two years later.

"The Olympic Games is the biggie," said Freebury, who was one of a select few athletes invited to the Queen's Baton ceremony – the Commonwealth Games version of the Olympic Torch – last month.

"I need to keep performing well in my category, the under-62kg section.

"The next major competition is the English national championships in Lilleshall in February and that is one of the qualifying events for the Commonwealth Games.

"I'm quite confident of making the squad for the Commonwealth Games and have recently broken six British records in the under-20 age category.

"I've had a lot of support from my dad, who is also called Chris. He got me into weightlifting aged 12 and is a former veterans champion.

"My mum, Dominique, and sister Chantelle have also given me a lot of support, too."

Perhaps the biggest inspiration in Freebury's life is Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallist Louis Martin.

The 75-year-old, who lives in Heanor, used to run the Louis Martin Gym in Derby, which was one of the first in the city to train black and Asian athletes.

He was awarded an MBE for his efforts and was recently appointed president of the British Weightlifting Association.

"Louis has been a big help," said Freebury, who also has to fit in his studies at Loughborough University.

"He's given me lots of tips on how to improve my technique and told me to continue training hard."

Freebury junior remains modest about his achievements.

But dad Chris is only too willing to sing his son's praises.

"Chris is in the development category," said Freebury senior. "Although we hope he does well at the Commonwealth Games, he's really being toted as a medal hope for 2014.

"The experience next year will be invaluable for him, though. It's quite a demanding sport and it takes a lot of confidence to get up and perform in an arena wearing a close-fitting leotard.

"Chris is doing really well, though, and I'm proud of his achievements."

Freebury senior takes an active role in helping his son to achieve his dreams and is also a director of the British Weightlifting Organisation, the governing body of the sport.

He helps out with the selection process and oversees his son's coaching sessions at the Atlas Gym, Alfreton.

"We're really lucky in the fact that we can train there for free, because the owner, Dave Sawyer, is also a Commonwealth Games coach and lives locally," added Freebury.

"It's important to train at a proper weightlifting gym because you don't want the thumping sounds you get in regular gyms putting you off!

"Dave is a great coach and trains Chris regularly.

"Diet is also an important part of training to be a weightlifter and I help Chris to maintain his weight under 62 kilos.

"It's a real concerted effort."