54-year-old wins gold at British national powerlifting championships – South London News

A 54-year-old who won a gold medal at the British National Powerlifting Championships last month is using her inspirational story to encourage more women to take up sport.

Camberwell Green’s Elaine Jackson topped the over-50 category at the Belfast competition with a 144kg squat, 85kg bench and 182.5kg deadlift.

The south Londoner’s victory means she has been chosen to represent Great Britain at the World Powerlifting Championships in Sun City, South Africa, in October.

Talking to South London PressMs Jackson said: “I was really surprised as I’ve been rehabilitating from a shoulder injury but I gave it my all and got gold!

“Age has no limits. Only your age limits stand in your way.”

It was not the first time Ms Jackson had played on the international stage, having already won bronze and silver medals at the British, Commonwealth and other international sporting championships.

But her journey was not an easy one.

She said: “I was diagnosed with uterine and cervical cancer in 1999 and had a major hysterectomy.

“I’ve always been into sports, so I asked my doctor what exercise he would recommend and he said weight bearing exercises.”

Following her doctor’s advice, Ms. Jackson found a personal trainer and was introduced to powerlifting.

She said: “For a lot of women we associate exercise with weight loss – that’s what you’re taught.

“But it’s so much more. Strengthening your body reduces osteoporosis, maintains the muscle mass you lose in your 40s, and the mental health aspect is huge.

“When I started, it was something I was doing for myself, not for anyone else.”

Over the next 10 years, Ms Jackson improved her training sessions, regularly visiting the Fort Gym in Elephant and Castle, where her talent was picked up by specialist trainers.

She said: “The coaches there are amazing and they took me straight to regionals and then nationals.

“Then I was selected to compete internationally.

“I was so passionate about sports that I found dedication very easy.”

In preparation for competitions, Ms Jackson said she spends up to six days a week training three hours a night.

She said: “I like to close all the gray areas and work on what I find difficult. Three hours a night means nothing once you’re in it and you’ve found something you love.”

Ever since she was at school, Ms Jackson said she had always loved sports.

She said: “I was never a runner but I enjoyed rounders, athletics, basketball, hockey.

“Sports at school are very cardio-based – which is great – but they’re missing out on amazing opportunities.

“Strength training is so important, but many young people – especially young girls – can be put off because they’re worried they’ll look different.”

The director of office management at global media company A+E Networks said he hopes to work with schools in the future to see change.

Her advice to anyone unsure about taking up a new sport is: “There’s something for everyone, and when you find it you’ll know it.

“Just never give up.”

Pictured above: Elaine Jackson (Image: Elaine Jackson)

Related stories