‘Powerlifting is a form of meditation ... it makes me feel so empowered’
INTENSIVE CARE NURSE SIOBHAN TAYLOR IS READY TO TAKE ON THE WORLD
AN INTENSIVE care nurse is aiming to become powerlifting world champion after being selected to represent Great Britain at the 2024 IPF World Championships in Austin, Texas.
Siobhan Taylor began powerlifting six years ago, when a back injury meant she feared she would have to give up her job as a nurse at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
A physiotherapist recommended she learn how to lift weights and strengthen her core. What started as a hobby, has now taken her all over the world.
“I’m thrilled to represent Great Britain and to make my debut at the World Championships,” Siobhan said.
“I currently hold the titles of Commonwealth Champion and All England Champion for powerlifting, and British Champion and European Champion on the equipped bench, so the only title missing is World Champion.”
The 45-year-old, -old, who lives in Haver Haverhill, Suffolk, says ay ys powerlifting helps her stay mentally al lly and physically strong.
Siobhan continued: n tinued: “For me, powerlifting n g is a form of meditation.
“It makes me feel empowered, resilient and gives me such a sense of achievement.
“Lifting weights eig ghts is so inclusive, it’s it t’s something anyy - one can do, o, whatever your ur age.
“If I can start powerlifting at the age of 39, 9, anyone can.”
Siobhan, wh who ho has worked d at Addenbrooke’s s Hospital since she e was
t t18, carefully plans her training around her full-time role as an intensive care unit nurse. “I feel so supported by the ITU team and they help h structure my shifts so that I can train,” she said. “I wouldn’t have haa been able to get to the level I’m I at without the support of the thee intensive care unit team.
“They’re cheer me on.”
In 2022, Sioo Siobhan travelled to New Zee Zealand to represent England at the Co Commonwealth Chh Championships ann and returned as C Commonwealth C Champion. In 2023, she took up Equipped ttB B Bench and bee became British Cha Champion. She was selectt selected to join Team GB fo for the European Cham Championship and always al l there to won that title too. Powerlifting differs fr from weightlifting, w where athletes lift weights w above their head. he
Unlike U weightlifting, powerlifting power is not yet an Olympic discipline.
wIt is also a self-funded sport, so Siobhan has started a fundraising page and posts updates on her Instagram page @ totallyawesometaylor.
The ITU nurse will join athletes from more than 60 countries when she competes in the IPF World Championships in Austin, Texas, between May 21 and June 1.