An intensive care nurse from west Suffolk has been selected to represent Great Britain in a powerlifting world championship.
Siobhan Taylor, who lives in Haverhill and works at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, will compete at the 2024 IPF World Championships in Austin, Texas.
The 45-year-old intensive care unit nurse began powerlifting six years ago when, following a back injury, a physiotherapist recommended she learn how to lift weights and strengthen her core.
She said: "I’m thrilled to represent Great Britain and to make my debut at the World Championships.
"I currently hold the titles of Commonwealth Champion and All England Champion for power lifting, and British Champion and European Champion on the equipped bench, so the only title missing is World Champion."
Ms Taylor said powerlifting helps her to stay mentally and physically strong.
"For me, powerlifting is a form of meditation," she said.
"It makes me feel empowered, resilient and gives me such a sense of achievement.
"Lifting weights is so inclusive, it’s something anyone can do, whatever your age. If I can start powerlifting at the age of 39, anyone can."
Ms Taylor has worked at Addenbrooke's since she was 18 and plans her weight training around her role in the intensive treatment unit (ITU).
"I feel so supported by the ITU team and they help structure my shifts so that I can train," she said.
"I wouldn’t have been able to get to the level I’m at without the support of the intensive care unit team. They’re always there to cheer me on."
In 2022, Ms Taylor travelled to New Zealand to represent England at the Commonwealth Championships and returned as Commonwealth Champion.
In 2023, she took up Equipped Bench and became British Champion.
She was selected to join Team GB for the European Championship and won that title too.
Powerlifting is a self-funded sport, so Ms Taylor has started a fundraising page and posts updates on her Instagram page @totallyawesometaylor.
She will join athletes from more than 60 countries when she competes in the IPF World Championships in Austin between May 21 and June 1.
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