Jo Tolland may be best known as the Programme Director for our Culture Change and Compassionate Leadership Programme, coordinating a record number of focus groups, meetings and events to gather feedback and suggestions from staff across Forth Valley.
However, outside of work she is also a record breaker in the sport of powerlifting.
Jo explained: “I am an ‘M3’ Masters competitor (60 – 69 years) and compete in the 84kg and over body weight group. I currently hold the Scottish Deadlift Record for this group of 142.5kg and will be representing Scotland in South Africa in October 2024. There are three lifts in this competition – Back Squat, Bench and Deadlift.
“Powerlifting is incredibly beneficial for women, especially in my age group as the resistance strength training really benefits in terms of bones and core strength. There are also great benefits for mental health and confidence.
“I started Crossfit when I was 54 and also started to train in powerlifting around two years ago. I competed in my first Scottish Powerlifting event in November 2023 and then the Scottish Masters in March 2024 followed by the British Masters in Belfast in June 2024.
“I leave for South Africa to complete in the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships (which happen every 2 years) on 1st October and compete on Sat 5th October 2024. Unfortunately, there is no funding available for the sport, but I have had tremendous support from family, friends, colleagues, gym pals and even Linkedin connections.
“I have therefore managed to raise enough money to pretty much cover the costs of the trip, which I am blown away by and extremely grateful. My local council has also provided a substantial grant as part of their sports and athletes funding.”
Jo is keen to promote powerlifting, especially to older men and women who may not have thought about it as an option before. She would be happy to speak to anyone who is interested in taking it up or finding out more and can be contacted at jo.tolland@nhs.scot
