Competing for Team GB, Rachel Steedman, an Orthopaedic Surgery trainee at Darlington Memorial Hospital, won gold and set a competition record with her 150kg bench press.
Team GB excelled overall, topping the podium in both the men’s and women’s events.
Darlington Doctor and Powerlifter, Rachel Steedman with her medals after the competition (Image: Rachel Steedman) Reflecting on her achievement, Rachel, who originally hails from Edinburgh said: “I won gold overall and Team GB women also won gold.”
“It was such an amazing feeling standing on the podium and getting to sing the National Anthem, which has been a dream of mine since starting powerlifting.”
Balancing her demanding role in the NHS with elite-level training, Rachel continues to push boundaries in both her career and sport.
Rachel Steedman and her partner and coach Matthew Gill after the competition (Image: Rachel Steedman) “Working as a doctor in the NHS, it is very difficult to juggle training and work, but this competition has given me the drive to get stronger for my next competition, which is the British Equipped Championships in 2025.” she said.
Rachel’s dedication to both her profession and powerlifting is an inspiration. “I was over the moon, I finally felt I had found a sport that I loved and did well in, and to have the chance to represent my country was beyond amazing. The feeling of getting invited to represent Team GB now, still never gets old.”
She lifted a total of 495kg across three disciplines, with the record-breaking 150kg bench press, 190kg squat and a 155kg deadlift, winning her event by a margin of over 80kg compared to the second-place finisher.
All the medals Rachel has currently won through her powerlifting (Image: Rachel Steedman) Rachel’s success in Malta follows an impressive second-place finish at the European Equipped Bench Press Championships in Istanbul earlier this year, where she bench-pressed 157.5kg.
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The sport, which tests strength, technique, and endurance, continues to grow globally, yet it has yet to gain Olympic recognition- a reality that many believe undersells the dedication and skill of competitors. However, Rachel seems confident in the sport becoming Olympic level in the future.
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Her achievements highlight the high level of competition she faces while representing both her country and her local community of Darlington, all whilst balancing the demands of her full-time career.(Image: Rachel Steedman)