Terrington St Clement weightlifter bags silver medal

A weightlifter from West Norfolk has returned home with a silver medal from the International Powerlifting League World Championships.

Julie Garner, from Terrington St Clement, finished on the podium in the masters 55-59 category for deadlift at Coventry.

Garner’s best lift at the championships, where she found herself up against more experienced lifters, was 100kg.

The event, which saw the cream of the sport competing, took place over the course of five days.

Speaking about her achievement, Garner said: “The event was massive and it was great to meet and talk to so many different nationalities all competing against each other from around the world.

“I was talking to other women who were lots older than me, one was 68 and another 75 so it gives hope for me to compete for many more years yet.

“It was a great achievement considering this is my first full year of competition.”

Her latest success comes on the back of breaking a British record in the masters four age 55-59 category earlier this year.

Garner, who trains out of the Royals Gym in Holbeach, is ready to step up her game under the guidance of her coach Paul Carter, who is a powerlifting world record holder himself.

“My next aim is to add in the bench press and squat so I can do full power powerlifting,” added Julie, who works as an advanced clinical practitioner in Wisbech.

“My coach is really hopeful I will be ready next year and in with a chance of first place.”

Garner, who only took up the sport to help with the effects of the menopause, only took up the sport three years ago.

“Once again, I’m hopeful my achievement will encourage more women to get lifting heavy weights to future proof their health and stay strong for their future.

“I have studied about ladies and menopause and, having suffered a great deal with this myself, I want to get the message across for other ladies to get out to a gym and lift weights,” she added.