Leeds Trinity student to represent Team GB in the Para Powerlifting World Cup

Leeds Trinity student, Charlotte McGuinness, 19, will compete at the Para Powerlifting World Cup as part of Team GB in March.

Taking part in the competition will also give her the opportunity to qualify for the rescheduled 2021 Tokyo Paralympic Games, which is due to take place in August.

The Sports and Exercise Science undergraduate is currently seventh in the world in her weight category and third in the world for the junior weight category.

She is currently training four times a week in preparation for the World Cup.

She is among a team of 13 athletes selected by British Weight Lifting, and will compete against athletes from across the world in the bench press women up to 50kg category.

Charlotte, who grew up in Harrogate, said: "With powerlifting, you do get off days where you struggle to lift.

"These days make you feel rubbish and can knock motivation and confidence levels massively, but being in a sport that is incredibly demanding you must push past them.

"Approaching the World Cup, I will be lifting heavy and the sessions are incredibly gruelling, however I do enjoy the tough sessions because you can push your body to the max and show what you are made of. Being a disabled athlete, the feeling of power is incredible!”

“Whilst the competition will go ahead behind closed doors with COVID-19 safety measures in place, I feel fortunate to represent Great Britain who as a country support these events no matter what the circumstances.”

Sarah Todd, Sports Development Manager at Leeds Trinity University, said: “I am thrilled for Charlotte having been selected for Team GB, it is very well deserved.

"Charlotte’s training schedule is intense and demanding, and given that she has recently joined the University in September, in a pandemic no less, this achievement is truly incredible.

"It is a testament to the strength of her character and how hard she works.”

Tom Whittaker, Performance Director at British Weight Lifting, said: "We have selected an exciting team with a fantastic mixture of experienced world-class athletes and emerging talent. After such a long period without competition, we’re extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to compete at this crucial qualifier on home soil. T

"he athletes can’t wait to restart their qualification journey and hopefully complete the eligibility pathway for the Games.”

The Para Powerlifting World Cup takes place from Thursday, March 25 to Sunday, March 28.

It is being held at the Wythenshawe Forum in Manchester.