Page 40 - Real Rochdale Issue 12 Winter 2021
P. 40
Rochdale powerlifter wins bronze at
International World Championships
Photo: White Lights Media
A powerlifter from Rochdale has brought home suggested attempting it during her sports
bronze from the International Powerlifting rehabilitation. She had previously played a lot
Federation World Championships in Sweden. of netball and was a regular gym-goer before
falling in love with power lifting.
Genevieve Collins, 41, represented Team GB
at the championships in Sweden in September, Genevieve competed in her first national
where she won a bronze medal and podium contest before Covid struck, where she placed
position in the Women’s Masters 1 category fourth, qualifying for the British Masters, which
(63kg-69kg) after squatting 145kg, benching she won in July this year, cementing her a spot
82.5kg and deadlifting 167kg. Powerlifters on the GB squad. Prior to these, she had taken
have three attempts at each to build their total part in eight regional contests and
score with the highest winning their category. championships, placing consistently between
first and fourth place.
The mum-of-three described the experience as
“nerve-wracking”, but said she was “ecstatic” to Now working at Full Contact Performance
achieve bronze in her first outing. Centre where she still trains, Genevieve hopes
to attend next year’s world championships in
She explained: “I love being able to go to the Canada and the European championships in
gym. A lot of women think they are going to Lithuania, and is looking for sponsorship to get
become bulky, but that’s not the case. It’s very her there.
empowering.
She said: “Because it’s an amateur sport, there’s
“I had an amazing time amongst the no money. Next year’s worlds and the
strongest ladies in the world. I love lifting and European championships are two big ones I’d
being amongst such inspiring women and am like to compete in and fight for a podium
so thankful I had this opportunity.” position; hopefully I’ll do a bit better than third
– I’d try to get gold.”
Genevieve picked up the amateur sport five
years ago when she was recovering from a knee Genevieve was sponsored by Carter & Carter
injury; a personal trainer at Full Contact Solicitors, Amber Pets and The Merry Monk.
REAL ROCHDALE - WINTER 2021 40 41 REAL ROCHDALE - WINTER 2021
