Page 187 - AGC_Journal 2018(FINAL)_Neat

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 off er. 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, aff orded 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 fi nished third in the open This year saw 65 lifters from as far as Ukraine compete in
Powerlifting category, but fi rst in my age Class. Dublin was the venue the Full Power and all the single lifts. Warrant Offi cer 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 fi nished fi rst with a lift of 160 kilograms setting a new
Equipped Class. November saw Warrant Offi cer Class 2 Championship record in the process. I lifted in the Bench
Elaine Hunt competing at the World Full Power in the 80 Press fi nishing fi rst in the 110 kilogram Class. November 2019
Fiercely Competitive level from unit to International competitions. We have also kilogram Class where she fi nished 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 fi rst in her age Class. biggest yet.
The United Kingdom Armed Forces Championships is and the Army, but the momentum has been maintained by
fi ercely 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 fi tness Championships
how has its popularity grown over the last fi ve 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 fi rst 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 Offi cer 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 fi nished 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 fi nished the same in men were third for the fi rst time ever following some of the personal best and fi nishing 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 fi nishing fi rst in an empty category with a
very respectable fi fth 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 Offi cer 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
Crossfi t 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 Crossfi t to Powerlifting is a natural 90 kilogram Class with them fi nishing fi rst 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 fi sh 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 fi gure 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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