International weightlifters gathering in Stirling
More than 100 world class weightlifters will put their strength to the test during a top international competition in Stirling this weekend.
The GSU Scottish Open Championships will take place at the Peak on Saturday with elite athletes from America and the Far East taking part.
The event is being organised by the GSU (Girevoy Sports Union) in collaboration with Stirling club Alba Kettlebell Clan – which was founded by solicitor Jay Goodwillie.
Jay, who currently holds two British records in the female 12kg category, will, in addition to co-hosting the event, be competing herself.
The 30-year-old said:“I pitched for the club to co-host it and we were successful. We’ve got people coming from Norway, Hong Kong, the US and Canada all coming over for the event. There are nine countries represented – and 101 competitors in total.
“We’ve got seven from the club taking part. Even though we’re co-hosting and running the event, I still wanted to compete. I’ve put on some smaller events so I know how stressful it can be, but we’re all really looking forward to it.”
The open event welcomes athletes from all countries and those taking part don’t need to be affiliated to any club or organisation. It also incorporates the International Women’s Championship.
Jay, who works for Dalling Solicitors in Stirling, started Alba Kettlebell Clan in Borrowmeadow Road, Springkerse, in June 2016 – having started lifting two years earlier.
And she has since gone on to secure British records in the overall biathlon (double bell) and overall jerk (double bell) categories.
A biathlon involves performing a set of jerks for ten minutes, before resting and then performing a set of snatches for ten minutes. If the bell is put down then the set is over.
Alba Kettlebell Clan currently has 37 registered members in total, with people of all abilities and fitness levels welcome to join.
Jay added:“We’ve got people from all backgrounds – and of all shapes and sizes – who come along.
“We have one man who I train who had never lifted a kettlebell when he came along but is now competing at international level.”