Page 186 - AGC Journal 2018

AGC JOURNAL 2018

AGC Powerlifting

A Lifting Year In Lycra

By Major Neil Thomas MBE
Powerlifting within the Armed Forces in now one

of the best participation sports on offer. Events
have grown from 20 to 30 lifters to now in their
hundreds with both full power and single lift
competitions catered for.

Elaine Hunt
Deadlift at
Glasgow

Elaine Hunt
at the World
Full Power Malta – Team GB winners

International Participation with Help 4 Heroes for those lifters who are not selected for
Invictus Games, afforded the opportunity to compete at a

In July the World Single Lift Championships were held in powerlifting event thus supporting their recovery.
Malta. With the hotel beach front garden with the sea only
metres away it must be the only time wearing a lifting Full Power
singlet made you over dressed. I competed in the 110

kilogram Class Bench Press and finished third in the open This year saw 65 lifters from as far as Ukraine compete in
Powerlifting category, but first in my age Class. Dublin was the venue the Full Power and all the single lifts. Warrant Officer Class

course in September where, in the same Class, I won the Bench 2 Elaine Hunt participated in the 80 kilogram Class Deadlift
members Press with a new European Record of 231 kilograms in the and finished first with a lift of 160 kilograms setting a new

Equipped Class. November saw Warrant Officer Class 2 Championship record in the process. I lifted in the Bench

Elaine Hunt competing at the World Full Power in the 80 Press finishing first in the 110 kilogram Class. November 2019

Fiercely Competitive level from unit to International competitions. We have also kilogram Class where she finished a hugely respectable third will see the event in Edinburgh, and it is hoped it will be the

said farewell to other members who have left the sport in the Open but first in her age Class. biggest yet.

The United Kingdom Armed Forces Championships is and the Army, but the momentum has been maintained by
fiercely competitive seeing the best 72 lifters from across new lifters coming through all the time. We anticipate this United Kingdom Armed Forces Into Powerlifting

all three services battle it out. So why is it so successful and to grow further with the introduction of the new fitness Championships

how has its popularity grown over the last five years or so. test where weighted carry and lifting is required to pass. The more discerning reader would have got to this part of

Could it be the ability of individuals to push themselves to Hosted by the Royal Navy for the first time, the event was the article and thought to themselves, so how do I get into

their limit judged only by the numbers they achieve, and Army Full Power held in Yeovilton. In this competition lifters only participate Powerlifting, I can push a bit of weight. The truth about
not what they look like. Is it the comradery of competitors for team points and not individual places. The Corps had Powerlifting is that it is for everyone. It does not matter
that scream each lift for every person regardless if that The Army Full Power was held at Chatham in March two representatives selected for the Army Team, myself in where you start from in terms of ability, it only matters
means they lose, or the chance to wear Lycra in public with 2018 with seven Women lifting. Sergeant Stephanie the Bench Press and Warrant Officer Class 2 Elaine Hunt in that you try. Personal goals can be measured in what you

no fear of comment because so is everyone else. Sanderson finished runner-up in the 53 kilogram Class the Full Power. The Army women were triumphant whilst the achieve as an individual not by the trophies you win. A

whilst Staff Sergeant Vicky Sword finished the same in men were third for the first time ever following some of the personal best and finishing 15th is always more respected

New Heights the 58.5 kilogram Class. Corporal Shannon Gee was a more experienced lifters failing to register scores. by lifters than finishing first in an empty category with a

very respectable fifth against four of the Army’s strongest weight an asthmatic ant could have lifted. Never be afraid

No matter what the reason is for taking up lifting, the female lifter’s in the 63 kilogram Class. Warrant Officer The World Military, Police and Fire to step outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself.
popularity of the sport has reached new heights. It is Class 2 Elaine Hunt won the 80 kilogram Class along with Why are so many women in the sport now? Probably
true, as much as powerlifters would hate to admit it, that Sergeant Joanne Laird in the 90+ kilogram Class, whilst Championships 2018 because they have no fear of failure in terms of peer group

Crossfit has had a part to play in the increased numbers. Corporal Levi Hood pipped Private Hedi Watts in the comparison. How many shaved Gorillas do you know in

The transition from Crossfit to Powerlifting is a natural 90 kilogram Class with them finishing first and second The inaugural event was held in 2017 in Malta and this year your unit gym that have never competed at events? Why

progression; after all, once we learn to eat with our hands respectively. The men were represented by Lance Corporal saw the just as luxurious Kings Lynn play host to the second is that? A big fish in a small pond will never want to step

we eventually move onto cutlery. Alan Brown who came seventh in the 75 kilogram Class. time the event has been held. Who needs golden beaches into the ocean. True lifters have humility, if you get beat,
Captain Asongafac Asong unfortunately was unable to and clear blue waters when you have an old library and you get beat, train harder and win next time. So, if it’s the
High Quality Lifters register a total in the 90 kilogram Class that was contested the Queen living just down the road. The event itself was opportunity to push yourself, get lifting, if you just fancy
by 18 lifters. Lance Corporal Michael Fensome was seventh started by myself who wished to ensure that when the event wearing spandex without ridicule you’re welcome too,
Powerlifting continues to provide lifters of the highest in the 110 kilogram Class with Captain David Williams just was removed as a category from generic events, that lifters because if you have the guts to wear figure hugging clothes

quality with members of the Corps competing at every behind him in eighth. from this sector still had the opportunity to meet under a in public you have the guts to lift big weights.
sporting context. It also has seen a relationship develop
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