Powerlifting siblings title champions
TWO west Wales siblings are making waves in an unusual sport – and proving it is accessible for everyone.
Powerlifting isn’t commonly thought of in the sporting world, but having tasted success, these siblings are keen to stay at the top.
Hefin and Gwennan Evans, from Carmarthenshire, only began competing this year, but in less than six months were in shape to win not only the British titles in their categories, but also the World Championships.
Gwennan, from Llanwrda, was first introduced to the sport by her boyfriend, Owain Tobias.
The siblings couldn’t have had a better coach, and powerhouse of Welsh talent.
He holds impressive world records, and competes worldwide.
Gwennan, a 21-year-old graduate from Swansea University, said: “My boyfriend is quite high up in the sport, he’s broken world records, and it all started as a hobby we had together.
“At the start of the year he encouraged me to start competing, and in March I qualified for the British Finals, in May.
“He coached me and my brother all through the competitions, and I won the British title, and the World Championship in Manchester, as the Junior under 75kg category, and best female lifter.”
Hefin, from Llandybie, works at Tata Steel, and also won the British and World Championships in the 100kg class.
Gwennan added: “Training is very strenuous, you have to ensure that everything is perfect for it to work as a whole. For the competitions, it really does have to be perfect. It’s very demanding and drains you.
“I’ve always been quite naturally strong, so this is the sport for me. I’ve never wanted to give it up.
“I’m going to take a bit of a break and build on what I’ve got so far.
“I train for about three hours a day, it is hugely strenuous training.
“You just overload weights and reps. It’s hard doing it by yourself, for safety but more for support, and keeping you on track.
“Owain is a fantastic coach.”
Hefin, 32, has had an interest in body building for about 12 years, but wanted the challenge of competing.
He said: “I’ve only been doing powerlifting about 10 months.
“Within that time I managed to win the regionals, then the British, then the World Championships with a lift of 177.5kg, beating the nearest Russian athletes.”
The siblings are members of the Amateur British Powerlifting Union, which is a drug-free federation.