A Wrexham University lecturer has successfully achieved national champion status in the International Powerlifting League British Championships.
Dr Chelsea Batty, Principal Lead for Sport and Exercise Sciences and Applied Sciences at the University, took part in the national competition where she triumphed in the British single lift female – 75kg category.
The competition, which took place at Wrexham University, saw more than 70 powerlifters take part from across the country.
Dr Batty, who also competed in the Amateur British Powerlifting Championships last year, said she feels “absolutely ecstatic” to be a British Powerlifting champion.
“It feels beyond incredible to have achieved champion status, especially at national level – and it’s extra special that we were hosts for the competition,” she said.
“I have wanted to be able to bench press 75kg for nearly a year but have been stuck at 72.5kg, so benching 75kg and deadlifting 150kg qualifies me for the Europeans in Poland next year, as I also came first in my category,” she said.
Following on from this, Dr Batty will be invited to take part in next year’s World Championships.
As well as being the British single lift female – 75kg champion, she also took the British record for bench press in her category.
Dr Caroline Hughes, Acting Dean for the Faculty for Social and Life Sciences at Wrexham University, added:
“An enormous congratulations to Dr Batty for her incredible achievements – as if being a British champion wasn’t enough, she is also a national record holder.
“This means that out students are being taught by the best of the best – and will be able to glean some incredible insights and knowledge from her. Well done, Dr Batty – we will all be behind you for next year’s European and World Championships.”
During the competition, which was sponsored by the University, Sports Injury Rehabilitation and Coaching: Sport and Fitness were able to practice their sports massage and consultation skills with competitors. They also used Biomechanics equipment to test the strength of athletes and spectators.
