19-year-old Charlotte McGuinness, from Harrogate, will compete at the Para Powerlifting World Cup in March, taking place at the Wythenshawe Forum in Manchester. The competition also gives her the opportunity to qualify for the Commonwealth Games in 2022. 

Charlotte, who is seventh in the world in her weight category and third in the world for the junior weight category, is supported through the University’s Talented Athlete Support Package, which assists student athletes competing at a high level in their sport to manage their studies and their sports careers. 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 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!” 

Due to ongoing restrictions around the coronavirus pandemic, the competition will ensue without spectators and with COVID-19 safety measures in place. More information on watching the event from home will be released by British Weight Lifting.

Charlotte added: “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. The athletes can’t wait to restart their qualification journey and hopefully complete the eligibility pathway for the Games.” 

Funded by the National Lottery, the Para Powerlifting World Cup takes place from Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 March 2021. More information about the competition can be found on the British Weight Lifting website.