Melksham powerlifter sets regional record

A Melksham powerlifter has broken a South West record as she continues her rise in the sport.

Annabel Moloney lifted 104.5kg, setting a new bench press record at the Swindon Barbell Summer Slam on 18th July, where she competed against six other women. The original record was 102.5 kg, which has been held since 2021.

The achievement follows a successful year for Annabel, who took second place at the British Open Classic Bench Press Championships after lifting a personal best of 100kg. She also won silver at the English Bench Press Championships in April.

She said, “It feels really special to set the South West record having narrowly missed out on international selection this year. It gives me great confidence going into 2027. I hope to be selected for the World Bench Press Championships to be held in Istanbul.”

Annabel is the youth coordinator at Melksham Church and only took up powerlifting in 2023. She said it has been a long-term goal of hers to represent Great Britain.

She said, “Setting the South West record has given me real confidence that I’m moving in the right direction. To have the best chance of achieving my goal, I’ll be looking to build on this year’s silver medal at the British Bench Press Championships early next year. It would be a huge honour to wear the GB kit and compete against the world’s best.”