4 days ago
Swindon powerlifters achieve national success at championships
Swindon powerlifters have achieved national success at recent championships after facing off against competitors from across the country.
Swindon Barbell head coach Charlie Marillier competed at the British Masters Classic Powerlifting championships last month in the -84kg ladies M1 (40 to 49-year-olds) category, facing fierce competition from long-term rival and good friend Hira Tierney.
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Following a surprising call from the judges to overturn her second and third squats to a fail, Charlie went into the bench press section knocked by the decision but then broke the British M1 bench record of 100kg.
In the deadlifts, Charlie managed 190kg while Hira went on to deadlift 218kg, securing herself a new deadlift and total record, while Charlie went home happily with a silver medal.
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A week later, Swindon Barbell travelled to Chelmsford in Essex to support Steph Roderick at the English Classic Powerlifting championships.
Steph, competing as a Junior (18 to 23-year-olds) is only 21 years old and felt quietly confident and determined to hit her personal targets, including the Swindon Barbell ladies' all-time squat record of 170kg.
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After achieving a personal best of 160kg, Steph passed the club's record with ease and then managed 175kg.
A tricky bench press section saw a mix of success and failure before Steph completed the final section on deadlifts.
She only needed her opener to win the gold, but she also wanted to hit her kilogram target of 175kg – and did so with a smooth and certain pull.
After jumping off the platform with joy and giving coach Charlie a big hug, she was awarded a gold medal and the English title.
She said: ''I cannot believe how much I've improved in the past six months, it's all been down to the amazing training from Charlie I've loved every second of this journey.'
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Charlie said: 'Steph has been completely dedicated to her own development, listening and taking on board everything that has been said to her, she has turned up even when she hasn't wanted to, she has followed her training and listened to guidance on nutrition and recovery.
'Steph is a beacon of maturity and consistency in her training and the end result is Gold medal and achieving everything she set out to. Everyone has the potential, but Steph is able to actualise that potential. We are so proud of her.'
The club will focus on joining forces with another Wiltshire-based powerlifting gym, Crazy Strength in Amesbury, for an inter-team competition at the gym on October 4.
