Powerlifting By Sergeant Joanne Laird


In 2022 I qualified to compete in the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships representing England in New Zealand. A large home nation team of around 59 athletes, made the journey to New Zealand to compete at the best of their ability, as well as to perform as Team England.


O


n arrival in New Zealand, a few days helped to acclimatise to the time zone change and then


it was straight to the gym to get in some team training. My first competition was the bench only, in which I managed to lift well and achieve a silver medal in the process. This was, however a warmup for the main competition which was the full power, consisting of Squat, bench press and deadlift.


With the assistance of the fantastic England coaching staff during the competition, to ensure that I was not under any stress, I performed above all expectations with personal best lifts across all three disciplines, managing to win 3 x silver medals and a bronze and gaining the overall best Master 2 lifter across all weight categories in bench press. It has been not only a


fantastic experience but an honour to represent my Country and I shall forever be grateful for being selected. As a novice to the sport, taking it up in 2021 I am totally passionate in building my success and improving


my performance and also helping to motivate other potential lifters in my age group who would otherwise think that being over 50 and not looking like what some expect of an athlete is a lost cause! It shows that no matter what age or size you are you and your body can do amazing things. The results of my podium finish at the British Masters in June and Commonwealth placement as 1st in my category across all home nations countries will hopefully see me in a good position for GBR selection for the European Championships in Mar 23. I am so thankful for the support of my unit, SSAFA and the AGC Association in getting me there.


I shall be updating my Instagram with a full competition review and my IG is Lairdjojo_ if you wish to follow my progress during 2023.


130 AGC JOURNAL 2022


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