‘Age has no limits’: 54-year-old wins gold at British National Powerlifting championships

A 54-year-old woman who snapped up a gold medal at the British National Powerlifting championships last month is using her inspirational story to encourage more women into sport.

Elaine Jackson, from Camberwell Green, came top in the category for over 50s at the competition in Belfast, with a 145kg squat, 85kg bench and 182.5kg deadlift.

The South Londoner’s win means she has been selected to represent Great Britain in the World Powerlifting Championships in Sun City, South Africa in October.

Speaking to the South London Press, Ms Jackson said: “I was really suprised because I was rehabbing a shoulder injury, but I gave it everything and took gold.

“Age has no limits. It is only your limits on age that block your path.”

This was not the first time Ms Jackson had performed on the international stage having already racked up bronze and silver medals at British, Commonwealth and other international sporting championships.

But, her journey has not been an easy one.

She said: “I was diagnosed with uterine and cervical cancer in 1999 and had a major hysterectomy.

“I had always been into sport so I asked my doctor what exercise he would recommend and he said weight-bearing exercises.”

Following her doctor’s advice, Ms Jackson found a personal trainer and was introduced to powerlifting.

She said: “For a lot of women we associate exercise with losing weight – that’s what you are taught.

“But there is so much more to it. Strengthening your body reduces osteoporosis, it keeps the muscle mass you lose in your 40s and the mental health aspect is huge. 

“When I started it was something I was doing for me, not anyone else.”

For the next 10 years Ms Jackson upped her training sessions, regularly visiting Fort Gym in Elephant and Castle where her talent was picked up by specialist coaches.

She said: “The coaches there are amazing and they got me straight into regional competitions and then into nationals. 

“Then I was selected to compete internationally.

“I was so passionate about the sport I found dedication really easily.”

In preparation for competitions, Ms Jackson said she spends up to six days a week training three hours a night.

She said: “I like to close down all the grey areas and work on what I find hard. Three hours a night is nothing once you’re in it and you’ve found something you love.”

Since she was at school, Ms Jackson said she has always loved sports. 

She said: “I was never a runner but I loved rounders, athletics, basketball, hockey. 

“Sport at school is very cardio-based – which is great – but they’re missing out on amazing opportunities.

“Strength training is so important but a lot of young people – especially young girls – can be put off because they’re worried they will look different.”

The director of office management at a global media company A + E Networks said she hopes to work with schools to see the change come about.

Her advice to anyone unsure about taking up a new sport is: “There is something out there for everyone and when you find it you will know. 

“Just never give up.”

Pictured top: Elaine Jackson (Picture: Elaine Jackson)