By Ben Baker

JACK Oliver is convinced his future is paved with silverware after the Sidcup weightlifter put on an impressive performance at London 2012.

The 21-year-old, the youngest male British weightlifter in action in the capital, had it all to live up to as he took to the ExCeL, following strong outings from compatriots Zoe Smith and Gareth Evans earlier in the competition.

But Oliver didn’t disappoint, recording 140kg in the snatch and 170kg in the clean and jerk to finish fourth in his group with 310kg – a new personal best and good enough to equal the British Olympic record.

Heading to the capital Oliver always knew he realistically wouldn’t be challenging for the medals, still juggling his sport with his classics degree at Leeds University.

But he believes all that could change at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and beyond after making the best first impression on his Olympic debut.

“That was hands down the best day of my life,” he said.

“It was just incredible walking out there and the crowd were amazing.

“I came down to watch Zoe and everyone else just to try and get an idea of how loud the crowd was so I wouldn’t be too scared when I came out.

“So I had an idea of what I was in for but when I walked out the feeling was just amazing and you have to try and block it out but you can’t help but smile when you put the weight down.

“I came here to get a new personal best so I have achieved what I wanted to and I have had a great time doing it.

“This gives me so much confidence and I am now focusing on getting medals in the big competitions in Glasgow and just keep moving up heading into the Rio Olympics.”

Despite writing himself into the record books, Oliver doesn’t have much time to sit back and admire his feat with a university exam fast approaching.

But despite this being a downside to having both brains and brawn, Oliver insists he will do his best to soak up the London 2012 atmosphere.

“I have a university exam some time in August as my university allowed me to move it back to allow me to focus on the Games,” he added.

“So I have to concentrate on my studies too but I will try and soak up as much as I can of London 2012, but I have to do a couple of hours of work a day too.”

Lloyds TSB, proud supporter of Team GB and proud partner of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Get closer to the Games at lloydstsb.com/london2012

Follow us on Twitter @NewsShopperSprt

Keep up to date with all the latest Olympic news with our live blog

Take part in the coverage by emailing your comments and pictures to olympics@london.newsquest.co.uk

You can also get in touch via Twitter using #LondonersGames