Lifting Lauras

Lifting Lauras

14 August 2024

TWO local powerlifters will carry the weight of expectation in South Africa this year. 

Laura Edwards (29), from Teconnaught, and Ballynahinch native Laura Gilgunn (31) will represent Northern Ireland in the Powerlifting Commonwealth Championships following stunning displays in their recent competitions.

Both will now be entering the bench-only event in Sun City, South Africa, on October 4.

Despite the pair being considered relatively new to the sport, the duo received invitations to compete by the Northern Ireland Powerlifting Federation following their performance last month at the selection competition at Sammy’s Strength and Fitness Gym in Maghera.

Edwards claimed a gold medal in her under 76kg division while Gilgunn came away with bronze in the 84kg plus category.

Edwards began training at CG Fitness in Annacloy, owned by Conor Gelston, two years ago in preparation for the upcoming camogie season with her team, St Kevin’s, but unexpectedly found herself getting the bug for powerlifting.

“Conor has been so supportive throughout my whole powerlifting journey and I am very thankful for his input,” said Edwards. 

“When he first mentioned to me about the prospect of powerlifting I initially wasn’t sure, but I bit the bullet and competed in my first rookie event in Derry, although I didn’t get a medal.

“However, I really enjoyed it and wanted to continue to improve. 

Last  May, I competed in Craigavon and secured a silver medal and have become obsessed with the sport ever since.”

Following on from capturing her silver medal, Edwards has continued to go from strength to strength and managed to go one further last month, where she was also spotted by the Northern Ireland Powerlifting Federation.

“It was down to me and one other competitor, and she failed to successfully bench the 60kg weight,” she continued.

“I had never lifted that amount before, so I knew I had to complete a personal best if I was to be in with a chance of being selected.

“I just gave it my all and couldn’t believe it when the judges gave their approval, I had tears in my eyes because I was so happy.”

She continued: “A couple of days later I received the invitation to South Africa and it was just a surreal feeling, I was, and still am, over the moon to get this opportunity on an international stage.”

Edwards will continue her preparation while also balancing her work life as a midwife –  she is used to delivering when it matters.

And she is completing her Master’s Degree in advanced professional practice at Queen’s University and will be well supported in South Africa, as making the trip with her is husband Dave, sister Maria Larkin and mum Gabrielle.

Meanwhile, Laura Gilgunn only began her journey last year as part of the Resurgence Training Facility powerlifting team based in Lurgan.

Gilgunn is part of a samba band in her spare time and one of her bandmates encouraged her to give powerlifting a try last year.

It was then she met up with coach Toby Clarke, who was impressed with her strength and encouraged her to enter a competition just eight weeks later, during which she came away with a gold medal.

“I have only ever entered three powerlifting competitions but I have medalled in all of them,” said Gilgunn.

“I am still very new to the sport so it is crazy to think I will be on an international stage this year.

“Getting the invite from the Northern Ireland Powerlifting Federation was a moment I will not forget and one I hope to make the very best of.”

In her most recent event, Gilgunn secured a bronze medal and is hoping she can give a strong account of herself while in South Africa.

“I am training four days a week as a minimum, but also finding the time for a social and work life as well as getting crucial rest,” said Gilgunn, who works as an occupational therapist caring for the elderly.

“Toby has been fantastic in helping my schedule and keeping me on track. All of the team at Resurgence have been so welcoming and I would encourage the public, especially women, to give powerlifting a try as they will not regret it.”

She added: “I feel very privileged to be representing the country and will be staying for the duration of the event, making the most out of the experience.”

As the trip is self-funded, both women are welcoming donations to their separate GoFundMe pages and have stressed their gratitude for everyone’s support thus far.

“Thanks to everyone who has donated,” said Gilgunn. 

“It makes the 5am sessions worth it knowing you have such a strong support locally.”

You can support either woman by visiting www.gofundme.com and searching for ‘Laura Edwards Powerlifting’ or ‘Laura Gilgunn Powerlifting’.