Hampshire's powerlifting Grandma wants to inspire others

Powerlifting Grandma wants to inspire others A grandmother who used to "shy out of P.E lessons" is now a record-breaking champion in powerlifting.

Louise Clark, 58, from Chineham, Hampshire said she started training in her 40's because she was "a little fluffy round the edges and very unfit".

Now she takes part in strong women contests across the country and has won the championships in her category.

Ms Clark said powerlifting is her "passion and makes her feel empowered" and she hopes to inspire other women to be more self-confident.

Ms Clark said she joined a local gym as her son was grown up and she had some time to "devote to herself".

She said: "I got myself a personal trainer, I'm a bit of a technique geek and wanted to know I was doing it right.

"My trainer was into strength and conditioning training and he suggested I have a go at a strong woman contest."

She said she did her first contest when she was 49 and continued doing those competitions for about seven years.

She added: "Then in 2022, I wanted to try something new, to challenge myself again, the same trainer suggested powerlifting."

Ms Clark said there are so many benefits to powerlifting, both physically and mentally.

She said: "The sport is growing. When I did the World Championships in 2022 there were about 70 people on the British team and this year there were 150.

"It's amazing to see it grow and especially in older lifters."

Ms Clark said: "It definitely makes me feel empowered and has given me so much self-confidence at an age where you can start to become invisible."

Ms Clark won gold at the World Championships in Ireland this August and hopes to compete next year at the Championships in Louisiana, USA as she said "it will be great experience".