Powerlifter taking on the Commonwealth

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Nelson powerlifter Michelle Welsh isn’t just heading to Canada to compete – she wants a medal.

And given her history of achieving her goals, it’d be brave to bet against Michelle coming home with a bit of precious metal from the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in Vancouver.

Michelle only began powerlifting two years ago after searching through a list of sports on a South Island Masters Games brochure. Her rugby days were gone and she was looking for a new sport.

Since then she’s won a novice powerlifting competition, dropped 17kg, represented New Zealand at an Asia/Oceania competition and now has her eyes firmly set on a the dais in Vancouver next month.

“I’ve got some numbers that I want to hit and I want to get on the podium. My totals at nationals is currently within the top three and I can beat that now, so I’m hopeful of being the top three.”

Michelle’s trainer Jason Hylkema says her success so far is because she’s willing to put in the work.

“It’s always going to come down to hard work. You do come across talent but someone who works hard will always win and Michelle works really hard, so that’s where the results are coming from.”

Michelle will compete in the open class in the 84kg category. Her combined totals from a dead lift, bench press and squat will be compared with others in her class to decide the winner.

New Zealand is sending eight men and seven women in each category and Michelle is the only Nelsonian who made the team.

She says making the team was a huge rush of excitement after working towards it since the start of the year. A journey that included losing 17kg but maintaining her strength. “I’ve had a pretty exciting week really. It’s been my goal right from the start of the year to drop a weight class and make the team to go to Vancouver.”

Michelle is raising money to make the competition and has set up a givealittle page. She is also hosting a quiz night in a few weeks and will be manning sausage sizzles around the region. If you’d like to donate, visit www.givealittle.co.nz and search Michelle Welsh.