19-year-old Charlotte McGuinness, from Harrogate, won the bronze medal at the Para Powerlifting World Cup in the women up to 50kg category with a lift of 74kg. Charlotte joined her GB teammate Olivia Broome on the podium, who won the silver medal in the same category.

The competition, which took place at the Wythenshawe Forum in Manchester, also gave Charlotte the opportunity to qualify for the Commonwealth Games in 2022. Due to ongoing restrictions around the coronavirus pandemic, the competition took place without spectators and with COVID-19 safety measures in place.

Charlotte said: “It’s my first World Cup medal so I’m very happy. The lockdown training in the winter and the cold sessions paid off, so I’m thrilled it all went to plan. This is my second World Cup so I have more experience now, and going to the next event I won't be as nervous as I know what to expect and what's going to happen.

“I’m also pleased that my performance in this competition stands me in good stead for the Commonwealth Games in 2022. The competition went by so fast and I’m looking forward to getting back to training and University.”  

Sarah Todd, Sports Development Manager at Leeds Trinity University, said: “I could not be prouder of Charlotte, to achieve a bronze medal at the World Cup at 19 years old is incredible. She works so hard and is such a determined and focused young woman in her sport and her studies, so it is fantastic to see the hard work pay off with a medal.”

She added: “The University is very proud of Charlotte and we’re all excited to see her medal when we’re back on campus. I have no doubt this is only the beginning of great things for Charlotte.”

Funded by the National Lottery, the Para Powerlifting World Cup took place on Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 March 2021. More information about the competition can be found on the British Weight Lifting website.