More than 40 athletes stepped on to the stage at Gibraltar Barracks to be tested in the squat, bench press and deadlift disciplines – with a host of personnel tasting competitive action for the first time.
Among those to make their debut was OCdt Zargham Farooq (NWOTR), who saw the event promoted on social media and applied to take part.
The move paid off as he posted new personal best totals in the squat and bench press and the 19-year-old is now targeting the APU's summer championships later in the year.
“I’ve never competed before and thought this would be a good opportunity to meet new people and gain some experience,” Farooq, who is studying law at the University of Greater Manchester and is planning a full-time career in the army, explained.
“I got a big number in the squat – 135kg – and the bench press went well, even though my third attempt was a little iffy. But I was hoping to go a bit heavier on the deadlift.
“I was quite nervous coming here, but the warm-up gave me confidence, and I started crushing the weights – I’m actually surprised at how well I have done.
“Coming away, I now realise that preparation is key. I only had a few weeks, but others have been working towards this for months. I also need to focus more on the referee’s words of command when on stage.
“I’ll definitely be coming back for the next competition and will start my prep this month – I want to smash it.”
New personal bests were also clocked by Cpl Katie Wood (AGC (RMP)) in the women’s draw as she posted 105kg in the squat and 155kg in the deadlift.
A relative newcomer to the sport, she entered her first contest in 2024 and was part of the army women’s team that triumphed at last year’s Inter-Services in Plymouth.
“I like weight training and thought it would be a good crossover,” she told SoldierSport.
“I started training specifically for powerlifting after my first competition and have been to a few events now – it’s all good experience.
“You are not going to get a personal best at every competition, but as long as you’re not going backwards there is always something to aim for.
“I’ve never played any sport before. I was not that interested at school and as adults we perhaps think it is too late to get into it.
“It has been great and I just want to keep going now and see if I can make the Inter-Services team again next season.”
Fellow army team member Cpl Kelly Ure (AGC (RMP)) first sampled the sport at an introductory session aimed at female personnel and after being identified as an athlete with potential started training with a powerlifting coach.
Her first proper competition was last year’s summer championships, where she posted personal bests in all three categories to earn selection for the Inter-Services.
“I was up in Leuchars with no hobbies; I was going to the gym but had no real goals,” she said. “When I tried powerlifting and was told I had potential it made me want to get the right coaching and training.
“At first, I thought it might be quite cliquey, but everyone has been so supportive – they push you to go harder.
“The Inter-Services was a big one to get selected for and that spurred me on to come here. I now want to stay involved to see how far I can go.”
APU President Maj Jo Ellett-Swiggs (RE) was delighted with the turnout on the day and said the organisation strives to support personnel at all levels – from novices to those competing on the international stage.
“Our aim is to help people be the best they can be,” the officer, who transitioned to the sport from bobsleigh, explained.
“This may be run like an international competition, but we can give coaching along the way.
“We want personnel to go through the motions and improve between all three lifts. It is about having a positive impact on the individual so they will come back next time and bring someone else with them.
“PT in the army has changed, with the focus now on functional strength. The soldier conditioning assessment has a deadlift, and everyone bench presses at the gym, but I think people perhaps don’t know their own strength.
“So why not give it a go in a structured environment like this? You might surprise yourself.”
Details of all upcoming events and how to get involved can be found on the APU page on Defence Connect, or follow the organisation on Instagram.
