A POWERLIFTER from Melksham is due to compete in the Commonwealth Bench Press Championships in South Africa this October.
Annabel Moloney, who has only been powerlifting for about a year and a half, will travel to Sun City, where she is aiming to lift 100kg in the championship. “The best weight I can lift at the moment is 90kg but I am aiming to lift 100kg,” she said. “I have that goal in mind. Currently, the winner of last year’s competition lifted around 110-115kg.”
Annabel was selected to represent England in this year’s championships after competing in the English Women’s Bench Press Championships earlier this year. “I have been strength training ever since I was about 17 years old and gave powerlifting a go, as a way to manage issues with my back,” says Annabel, who works as a nurse at the Royal United Hospital in Bath. “My husband is a powerlifter too, and his coach had back issues, so he suggested I go along. I started training, then entered into a competition and just fell in love with the sport. I love the fact there is a clear progression with it and you are always aiming for above what you currently can lift.”
In a sport that could largely be perceived as male-dominated, Annabel says the sport has many benefits to physical and mental health and she is keen to encourage other females to try it out and not feel intimidated to ask for guidance. “Powerlifting has helped me in terms of giving me something to focus on and something to strive for,” explains Annabel. “I have had some mental health difficulties in the past and it has helped with that because it has given me a focus.
“I think the stigma is getting better. I think that women are intimidated to go into the weights section because they are worried people will be looking at them. I want people to not feel intimidated and just to ask if they are not sure on anything. The benefits and positives massively outweigh all of that.”
Annabel and her husband train at City Fitness in Melksham and are also part of a weights and powerlifting club in Swindon. “I love the community side of it. It has been a dream of mine to compete internationally, so I am so excited about this opportunity and proud of what I have achieved. Powerlifting has become a big part of my life and I would love to inspire other people, especially women, to have the confidence to start lifting weights, as it has helped me both physically and mentally.” To help cover the cost of flights, accommodation, equipment and training, Annabel has set up a gofundme page.
To support Annabel on her journey visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/commonwealth-bench-press-championships.
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