On October 3rd, I will be lifting in the under 50kg class at the World Para Powerlifting Championships in Mexico City. To say I am excited about this would be a classic bit of understatement.
Heading out onto the platform with my coach, Matt Barlow, at the British Championships this year.
This is my first international as a para powerlifter (though I’ve competed internationally in able-bodied competition) and my first competition on this scale. I’ve got just over five weeks until I’m on the platform (and yes, I can tell you how many more days, and how many more training sessions I’ve got between now and then.)
Training is going well, as I learn to use the strap for stability, tighten up my technical precision, and just keep pushing the kilos. Rep by rep, kilo by kilo. And with hour by hour of sleep. (That’s always going to be one of my biggest challenges.) And pre-lift dance by dance.
I am so fortunate to have this opportunity–to be going with the GB squad, to try to reach the level I am aiming for, to lift among the very best in the world, and to be part of this sport.
It’s hard to believe that five years ago I’d never even touched a barbell. And that finding a sport that fits you, and people who will believe in you can take you so far and so fast. Thank you to everyone who has stood by me along the way. Buckle up: we’ve got a long way to go!