Clodagh is powerlifting champion
A Sligo woman will represent Ireland at the World Powerlifting Championships in October and is encouraging people not to let age get in the way when it comes to sport.
Clodagh Higgins recently took part in the European Championships in Ringaskiddy, Cork, and she did extremely well, winning Gold in the Bench Press 62.5kg and she also set a world record of 30kg in the Strict Curl.
For Clodagh, who only took up the sport four years ago, it’s a huge feat to now be representing her country at European and World level.
She told the Sligo Champion: “I was 40 when I first started. The way I look at it, you’re never too old and 40 isn’t the end of the world so I decided to give it a go!”.
Originally from the Green Road in Sligo, Clodagh left the Emerald Isle for Australia back in 1999 and spent 12 years Down Under, enjoying the way of life down there. “I decided to come back home four years ago and I have my own digital marketing agency, Get Focussed, based in Dublin. I was doing that in Australia too. It was a wee bit of a change alright making the move from Sydney, over there it’s kind of a laidback way of life, but after awhile the opportunities from what I do in technology, marketing and software, Dublin is the place to be.”
Many will know Clodagh’s dad Tommy, of Ticketmaster fame and also a former referee in the League of Ireland. “Another reason I moved back was for my family too. I bought a house in Ballincar so although I’m working in Dublin, I’m back in Sligo so often. My sister was over in the States too and moved back with her family, so mum and dad are delighted to have their grandchildren around as well.
“So I said the move at the time all made sense and I’m enjoying it,” Clodagh added.
Back to the powerlifting and how that came about, Clodagh said she was keen to keep a healthy life while in Australia. “I was doing a lot of exercise in Oz anyhow, they are big into health and all that so when I moved back to Ireland I started cross-fit, which was really popular at the time.
“I hurt my knee from doing a lot of running over the years but one of the things I found I was quite good at was bench presses. A friend suggested that I should do a competition.
“That was in January of last year and I went to the National Powerlifting Championships which were held in Gorey.
“I did okay, I wasn’t too nervous. Since then I’ve done four competitions, with the Europeans recently in Ringaskiddy.
“From there, my performance in that means I’m through to the Worlds on the 5th of October in Pennsylvania. I’m going to put that in the diary and see how it goes!,” she laughed.
Clodagh said although she was into sport when younger, it waned a bit in her twenties. “I wouldn’t have been particularly sporty, I was into swimming and gymnastics as a child but then stopped when I got older.”
She said powerlifting isn’t exactly a sport many people associated with women but that it’s more and more popular with more women. “A lot of people come up to me and say that I don’t look like a powerlifter, although what are they meant to look like? I suppose I’m breaking the stereotype in a way.”
She said many people also assume that it’s mostly a male-dominated sport but this too isn’t the case. “It’s funny because there were more women than man competing in Ringaskiddy at the last competition so it’s popular with both really.”
As she was doing cross-fit four times a week prior to becoming a powerlifter, Clodagh added that she doesn’t find the training that much different. “I train around four times a week and I have a really clean diet, I’m a bit of a gym bunny, I am a member of gyms in Sligo and Dublin so I’m always ready to go.
“I travel a lot with my work but I wear leggings most days so I can go to the gym,” she explained.
Clodagh recently got a new coach and nutrition coach too. “Eating the right food before and after training is really important.” She said since taking up powerlifting, she notices herself being leaner and the benefits go further. “I find that I have a lot more energy and mentally too I’ve gained more confidence. I’ve done four competitions now and I’m really enjoying it.” Clodagh said there is a great camaraderie between the powerlifting athletes.
“It’s a lovely family and we get on so well with each other, with have a brilliant laugh.”
Clodagh added that the sport is expanding in Ireland and growing in popularity.
“There were 55 competitors at the Cork event and the same watching. It’s definitely growing which is good to see. “
The reaction from family, work colleagues and friends has been extremely supportive too, she added. “My niece said she’s really proud of me and that’s another reason to keep at it for my family.
“When I came back from Cork, dad had tears in his eyes when he saw my medal and certificate, so that was nice.
“Powerlifting is a great sport. I hope that I’ll encourage others to become athletes. “It’s great craic as well,” Clodagh added.
Sligo’s hopes will be resting on her shoulders when she competes for Ireland at the World Powerlifting Championships on October 5th in Pennsylvania.