Many of you will remember our Autumn edition when we featured Jo Tolland, Programme Director for our Culture Change and Compassionate Leadership Programme, who was representing Scotland at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in Sun City, South Africa.
The event took place over two weeks in October and included age categories from teens through to 70+, also offering ‘equipped’ class for competitors who may require additional support equipment.
Jo said: “I was honoured and delighted to represent Scotland and was competing as a Masters 3 (60 – 69yrs) in the 84kg+ body weight category. It was an incredible experience and the Scottish support was unbelievable, as well as those whose family roots are here, even though they were competing for other nations. This support helped me to achieve a personal best in all three lifts (Back Squat, Bench Press and Deadlift) and I was awarded the bronze medal for all three lifts and overall in my group.”
She added: “I’m really keen to promote powerlifting, particularly for women and especially for those anticipating or experiencing menopausal or peri-menopausal symptoms as the detrimental impact for many women on muscle tone and bone density are well-documented. There is strong evidence of the benefits of strength training for improved bone density and mental health as well as a preventative measure to reduce the risks of falls and muscular-skeletal issues in older age.”
The Commonwealth Powerlifting Competition is open to 42 nations, with Scotland ranked third overall this year.
22 of the Scottish team were awarded medals as Commonwealth champions and five in the Best Lifter category. In total, Scotland took home 143 medals, of which 64 were gold, 41 silver and 38 bronze.
Scotland also took the unofficial prizes for loudest and most consistent cheering, most beautiful singlet design and most enthusiastic singing of the national anthem.
