Ipswich world champion powerlifter says sport ‘saved’ her life

An amateur world champion powerlifter said the sport helped her overcome eating disorders when she was 18.

Lily Churchyard, from Ipswich, took up powerlifting three years ago and has two world records to her name, as well as 24 British records.

The now 21-year-old has been given the nickname “Tiny Tank” due to her small posture and high strength, as well as for her success in the sport.

She said the sport “saved” her and she is aiming to claim even more records.

Miss Churchyard said it was a “coincidence” when she came across powerlifting.

“I was just training in a gym and one of the PTs [personal trainers] who happened to be a powerlifter came over to me and said, ‘You’re strong, I’ll teach you how to deadlift’,” she said.

“I signed up to my first competition about three months later.”

Powerlifting consists of three different lifts – a squat, deadlift and a bench press.

Miss Churchyard, who trains at Fortitude Fitness in Ipswich and competes in the lighter weight categories, said from early on she found herself always coming back to push herself further.

“Powerlifting has literally saved me,” she said.

“I came from a place where I’ve had eating disorders and powerlifting has taught me that I can eat what I want and still lift heavy.

“It makes me feel so happy, because being able to achieve these things that you’re seeing other people do in the gym, you’re weightlifting next to men as well.

“You feel like you’re a part of the community… and not just sitting in a corner worrying what people are going to think about you.

“I don’t think me, three years ago, would have thought [I’d be here] now with world records.”

Over three seasons of competing across two different age categories and two weight classes, Miss Churchyard has set 24 British records, two European records and two world records.

However, the powerlifter wants to achieve more.

“I have two more years in this age class,” she said.

“I’m hoping to have my name across all the world, European and British records, and then I’m also hoping to take a couple of open records, so an age class above me while still at a junior level.

“I’ve also got a deadlift competition coming up at the end of next year where I compete in a pro-division.

“I’m hoping for my triple bodyweight deadlift for 135kg (298lb).

“I’ve got more to achieve so I’ll be even prouder when I have all of the records to my name, that’ll be nice.”

The sport requires dedication. Miss Churchyard said she trained six days a week and before each session would eat 250g of mince, three eggs and a whole avocado.

Gym owner Kamal Mamedov described Miss Churchyard as “inspirational”.

“It’s great to see [Lily] come in, day-in day-out,” he said.

“I think a lot of girls can find it quite daunting to start lifting weights, especially getting all the way to the squat rack.

“People like Lily make it a lot more accessible for them.

“Luckily we get to see people from all walks of life here and we’ve seen some incredible world class athletes, and she definitely has the attributes of a world class athlete.”