Powerlifting nurse says the sport 'empowers' her

Siobhan Taylor said she was "thrilled" to represent Great Britain at the World Championships

A nurse who took up powerlifting aged 39 after it was recommended by her physio to recover from a back injury is training to represent Great Britain at the World Championships.

Siobhan Taylor, from Haverhill, Suffolk, works in the intensive care unit at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.

She took up the sport six years ago to "strengthen her core", so she did not have to give up her day job.

It has since been a "form of meditation" and made her feel "empowered, resilient, and mentally and physically strong".

Siobhan Taylor competes in powerlifting, which is different to weightlifting

"I wouldn't have been able to get to the level I'm at without the support of the intensive care unit team," she said.

"They're always there to cheer me on."

Powerlifting, which is not an Olympic discipline, differs to weightlifting, with athletes not lifting weights above their head.

Instead, they aim to lift as much weight as possible in a single motion, through a squat, bench or deadlift.

"For me, powerlifting is a form of meditation," said Ms Taylor

The single mother currently holds Commonwealth Champion and All England Champion titles for powerlifting, and she is a British Champion and European Champion on the equipped bench.

The only title she is missing is World Champion.

"For me, powerlifting is a form of meditation. It makes me feel empowered, resilient and gives me such a sense of achievement," she said.

"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 will make her debut at the 2024 IPF World Championships, in Austin, Texas, between 21 May and 1 June.