The 32-year-old became the toast of his colleagues at Whitla Street station in Belfast when he lifted the top award in the men’s 125 kg and under category.

The victory came as quite a surprise to Brian, particularly as he only took up the sport of powerlifting last year.

“I couldn’t believe it when I won. I was absolutely delighted,” he said.

“There was even some doubt over whether I could compete at all because I was injured a few weeks before the games.

“Since I have come home from the competition, all my colleagues at Whitla Street have been talking about it and even people I don’t know have been coming up to me and congratulating me.”

Brian, who is the son-in-law of Newtownabbey Mayor Victor Robinson, was among 5,000 firefighters from 43 countries who took part in the prestigious event, held in the Liverpool Echo Arena.

As he took to the competition stage, he was cheered on by his wife, Jen and one-year-old daughter, Erin.

Brian, who trains in Newtownabbey and Belfast, has enjoyed a meteoric rise to success in the sport. Just a few months after taking up powerlifting, he won the Northern Ireland Championship and managed to smash the Northern Ireland record at the same time.

His rapid progression to the top ranks has inspired him to continue powerlifting and he plans to compete in another competition within the coming year.

Brian has also set his sights on an altogether loftier goal.

“I have been invited to the next World Firefighters Games, which will be held in Korea in 2010, to retain my title,” he explained.

“But as the Northern Ireland Fire Service do not support this event, I would be looking for sponsorship to help with the travel costs.”

Brian has been a firefighter at Whitla Street for the past four years. Before that, he worked as an engineer.