Perth technician to represent SAS in international powerlifting competition

Kayleigh will compete alongside members of the UK emergency services, veterans and military personnel against participants from Team USA.

Kayleigh has been powerlifting since 2021, when she joined a local women’s class in Perth.

She said: “I thought I’d try it and immediately became obsessed; it’s my passion. I wanted to see how far I could go with it, so I started competing. I’m really excited about this competition and I’ve worked really hard for it.”

Kayleigh has also found that her strength and skill come in useful in her work as a technician for SAS, often surprising colleagues and patients.

She said: “One thing I love most about my strength is that everyone underestimates you, especially as I’m 5 foot 2. Looking at me, people would think I’d blow over in the wind. They don’t expect me to be able to bench 62.5kg, squat 95kg and deadlift 127kg.”

At the competition, Kayleigh is aiming to hit personal bests of a 65kg bench press, 100kg squat and 130kg deadlift. She will also be fundraising for two charities: Help for Heroes and The Ambulance Staff Charity (TASC).

Kayleigh said: “I wanted to celebrate this opportunity and the causes that mean so much to me, so I will be raising money for both Help for Heroes and The Ambulance Staff Charity.

“Every day, members of the Armed Forces and emergency services dedicate themselves to helping others, often in the most challenging circumstances. These charities ensure that when they need support themselves, someone is there for them.”

Find out more about Kayleigh’s fundraising and donate here: Kayleigh’s fundraising page