Grassroots Games 2016: Powerlifting
The Paralympics is under way in Brazil, and the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) is focusing on the sports that you will see, hear or read about over the next two weeks.
With 22 different sporting events on show in Rio 2016, EFDS takes a look at grassroots participation back here in Britain.
Today it’s Powerlifting, with Jemma Robinson telling us about lifting big and the buzz of winning.
I first tried powerlifting in 2014, going to Gateshead International Stadium for a taster day.
I enjoyed it so much that I asked if it was possible for me to join somewhere where I could regularly train. My support worker contacted Ashington Hirst Welfare Centre in Northumberland and arranged for myself and several others to go on a Wednesday afternoon for training with recognised coaches.
We have had great support from our coaches.
They make our sessions enjoyable and encourage us all to do our best. The same bunch of lads that I started with are still going and we have added another couple of participants.
I have improved a great deal at powerlifting from when I started.
I have mild learning difficulties and anxiety as well as being partially deaf, but in my first competition I managed a 40kg bench press and 70kg deadlift. In my latest competition in lifted 55kg in the bench press and 105kg in the deadlift.
Powerlifting has made me much more confident in myself.
For example, I now feel able to talk to strangers without feeling nervous – it’s a great feeling. Through powerlifting I have been able to win some medals and trophies, and winning is the biggest thrill ever. Although I compete in other sports, powerlifting has been the sport that gives me the most pleasure.
