Newcomer powers up in quest for world lifting title

TWHAT started out as a pursuit of happiness for Townsville’s Brigot Pugh has become a power- charged tilt at world glory.

Pugh, 42, is preparing for the upcoming IPF Classic World Powerlifting Championships in Belarus after breaking nine Australian records during domestic competition.

Not only that, Pugh started lifting competitively last year after hitting the gym to help correct a posture problem stemming from her work as a hairdresser.

Her favourite discipline is the dead lift.

She holds a national under- 57kg women’s masters record lift of 180kg, almost three times the weight of her 68kg frame.

“I only started gym to correct the posture problems I had and my trainer one day asked me what I was training for, because he must have seen some potential,” Pugh said.

“I was already lifting twice my body weight and he convinced me to become competitive, and it’s been the best thing ever.

“I like to train because it’s like stress relief and it’s helped a lot with my self esteem and confidence.”

Pugh does all three powerlifting disciplines of dead lift, squat and bench, and among her national records is the combined lift of 365kg in the under- 57kg division.

Her big goal is breaking the masters world record dead lift of 185kg, just 5kg off her current personal best.

“A difference of 5 or 10kg might not sound a lot, but it’s a lot at this level,” Pugh said.

“The world record is only 5kg off but it’s going to be tough and the competition without saying will be the best in the world.” Pugh is ranked fourth globally in her division and now has the experience of four major competitions to her name, including last year’s Brisbane Fitness and Health Expo where she set her national dead lift record.

The mother of two will head to Belarus a week before the start of the world championships on June 17.

“It can get tough at times and every little bit of help counts,” Pugh said. To support Pugh’s powerlifting journey go to brigotpugh@ hotmail. com