Celia McMillan and Aimee Hayes are used to lifting heavy objects, but they still noticed the extra weight when posing for a photo with their championship multiple medals on Monday.
The two Richmond women, who refer to themselves as the Power Angels, tasted success at their first ever international powerlifting competition, with Celia breaking Commonwealth records en route to her gold medal performance at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship in Manukau.
Celia, who was entered in the under 52kg weight class, lifted a combined total of 385kg to take out the championship ahead of international opponents. Her 385kg was made up of 137.5kg squat, 95kg benchpress and 152.5kg deadlift.
Aimee was second in the under 63kg weight class and lifted 167.5kg for squat, 67.5kg for bench and 142.5kg for deadlift making a combined total of 377.5kg.
Overall there were 500 competitors at the competition, with some lifting until 2:30am.
The pair won a bunch of medals between them and are now eyeing the world champs in Denver next year if they can obtain sponsorship.
Celia and Aimee would like to thank coach Craig McMillan for his mentoring prior to the competition.
A powerlifting competition will be held at Evolve Fitness early next year and anyone keen to be coached can contact Aimee on 027 337 7017.
