Lhamo Weston, an 18-year-old powerlifter from Redditch, achieved notable success at the World Sub-Junior & Junior Powerlifting Championships in South Africa last month, securing multiple medals across three events despite managing a chronic health condition.
Weston competed in the Under 57kg category and earned gold medals in both squat and deadlift events, along with a bronze in the bench press competition. She also placed second overall in the championship standings. The athlete took up powerlifting three years ago after being encouraged by her brother to participate in the sport.
Weston’s performance came while managing endometriosis, a condition characterized by tissue similar to the lining of the womb growing outside of it. She reported that a flare-up of the condition occurred just before competition, causing severe pain and complicating her weight management leading into the event. The condition affects her training through pain, fatigue, and back discomfort that can resemble a back injury. Despite these challenges, she completed her competition successfully.
The teenager has become vocal on social media about living with endometriosis while competing in powerlifting, aiming to inspire and empower others. She notes that endometriosis affects one in 10 women in the UK but remains underrecognized. Weston was diagnosed with the condition last year, though she has dealt with symptoms since age 12. She advocates for increased awareness about the condition’s impact on women and girls.
Weston trains at Elite Fitness gym in Redditch and continues to travel 45 minutes from her current residence in Worcester to train there. Staff at the gym regard her as an inspiration to other young athletes and members.
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