Page 53 - QARANC Spring 2024

The Gazette QARANC Association 53
“Having to train before shift and after shift shows how much I want success in this sport,” asserts Sian. “I remember Chris, my coach, saying it is not enough to just turn up, you’ve just got to keep putting the work in and it will prove itself.
“I find weightlifting is a good stress reliever and empowering. I’m only little, I’m 5ft 3 and just 59 kilos, and I’m quite a girly girl as well too. When people hear that I am a weightlifter they’re like, ‘holy smoke.’”
Sian has lifted 78 pounds, and ‘jerked’ 105. She explains, “Snatch is when you lift the weight from the floor to above your head in one motion, and jerk involves stopping it on your shoulders, and then above your head. Snatch is technical and Jerk is more strength related. It’s legs and core stability as well.”
Sian’s mum, who became an Army nurse when she was quite young, advised her daughter against taking on the job until she was ready. Sian switched to nursing in 2014, explaining that, “Mum warned me that nursing is more than a job, it becomes your life, and you can’t be half-hearted about it. I work 12- hour shifts and sometimes weekends. It is mentally draining because I’m constantly thinking about people and whether I have forgotten anything. I qualified as a mental health nurse in 2021.”
In May 2023, Sian was selected to represent Great Britain at the European Weightlifting Championships in Waterford, Ireland. She went with no expectations of winning, and no plan, other than to enjoy the experience. She competed in the 59kg category – snatched 67kg then clean and jerked 94kg. She eclipsed the competition and was crowned the European Champion – Sian couldn’t believe it. “I was absolutely flabbergasted,” she says. “I went there with no expectations, it was my first time so there was no pressure, I just went to enjoy it and have fun.”
Three months later, she was selected to represent GB again, this time at the World Championships in Poland. “I felt so privileged to be selected but was
I remember Chris, my coach, saying it is not enough to just turn up, you’ve just got to keep putting the work in and it will prove itself
also terrified, and I felt under pressure,” recalls Sian. “It was the biggest competition I had ever competed in. It was summer and so hot, I wanted to eat ice cream, but I had to make the right weight. My competition was phenomenal, everyone was so strong.”
Sian snatched 67kg and clean and jerked 94kg (again!) and this time came second – but second in the whole world. It was another proud moment.
There were, however, more surprises in store, as Sian soon discovered she was pregnant! She had competed in Wales about six weeks into the pregnancy and suddenly it made sense why she had struggled to make the required weight. Sian has continued to exercise but at a lower intensity.
She jokes that the baby will either “come out with a barbell or boxing gloves”, as her husband boxes as a hobby, while also serving in the Light Dragoons. They have been together since 2008.
With the lifting competitions taking a back seat temporarily, Sian is enjoying coaching weightlifting and taking enjoyment from the successes of other her trainees. She is running workshops in the Army for women. “Gyms can be intimidating places for women,” points out Sian. “I did a session in Gibraltar Barracks recently which was females only, and we had 40 women come along so that was really positive.
“My advice to others, is just try it. Weightlifting is such an empowering sport and will get you in better shape for your job. You think of weightlifters as big, strong, and scary types, but everyone is really nice. It’s competitive but also a friendly environment. It’s a growing sport within the Army and we’re always looking for new people (especially women). Please don’t think you have to be a pro, come and be a complete beginner, try something new – we will teach you everything!”
If you are interested in trying weightlifting, get in touch with Sian by emailing – Sian.Peters120@mod. gov.uk