19 Year Old Charlotte McGuinness from Leeds Trinity University has been selected to represent Team GB at the Para Powerlifting World Cup. The Sports and Exercise Science undergraduate from Harrogate is third in the world for the junior weight category and seventh in the world for her weight category (impressive!).
Charlotte is among a team of 13 athletes from across the world who have also been selected to compete in the bench press up to 50kg category. Charlotte currently trains four times a week in preparation for the World Cup and has said that she is now looking to lift heavy as they approach closer to the day. The Para Powerlifting World Cup will be happening from Thursday 25th March to Sunday 28th March, in Manchester.
The Sports Development Manager at Leeds Trinity University, Sarah Todd said: “I am thrilled for Charlotte having been selected for Team GB, it is very well deserved!”. Sarah also mentioned that Charlotte has only recently joined the University in September during the global pandemic, and being chosen to compete is an incredible achievement.
Charlotte has been supported by her university through the Talented Athlete Support PAckage, which helps student athletes manage both their studies and sports careers.
Tom Whittaker, the Performance Director at British Weight Lifting, said that they “have selected an exciting team with a fantastic mixture of experienced world-class athletes and emerging talent.”
McGuinness herself has also mentioned that some days she does struggle to lift, and these days do knock her confidence and motivation massively. However, she hasn’t let this stop her. The sessions may be incredibly gruelling, however, she said that she enjoys the tougher sessions as it shows her what she’s made of. “Being a disabled athlete, the feeling of power is incredible!”. By competing in the Para Powerlifting World Cup, McGuinness has the opportunity to also compete at the Tokyo Paralympics that is scheduled in August. You go, girl!
Last Updated on July 18, 2024
Published on March 22, 2019
