Powerlifting Athletes - Yorkshire Squad
Location: Keighley & Silsden
Katie Whitaker, her boyfriend Martin Sands, and Simon Waggett are the three Yorkshire powerlifters chosen for the Special Olympics world games squad to compete in Shanghai.
The three train every Sunday at Arnley prison gym where they have the full support of not only their coaches but also the inmates. They have always taken a great interest in the group and some are very involved in helping to coach the powerlifters. There is huge support there for the squad members going for gold in Shanghai.
Coach, Kelly says: “The regulars know the SO lifters very well, where each individual needs to be pushed and encouraged.”
“I’ve seen such a lot of effort towards the world games in China. The competition spurs them on to really push themselves to the limit, and each other. They all know it’s about what’s in your head, thinking “I can lift it”, as well as physical strength. And they’re very close as a team.”
“They know they’ll be competing against the best from every country. In competitions here they know most of the lifters in their category, but Shanghai is a big unknown. So they know they’ll have to aim to lift more. I’ve seen them push up the weights they can do in the deadlift, squat, bench press. And they’re working hard at building up the strength in their arms and legs, and cardio fitness.”
“In competition, all I have to do is to let them know what they have to do. And they respond. They go out there and give it everything. There will be lots more competition at the world games but that won’t bother them. They have discipline, concentration and focus. And they’re good at staying motivated.”
www.bradforddisabilitysports.co.uk
TO ARRANGE AN INTERVIEW WITH THE ATHLETES OR COACHES, PLEASE CONTACT THE SOGB NATIONAL OFFICE.
TELEPHONE: 020 7696 5569 OR EMAIL TO: pr@sogb.org.uk