Perth Technician selected to represent Scotland in powerlifting championships.
![Kayleigh celebrating after lifting](/media/3gnktp2i/0hvx63pe.png?center=0.642962962962963,0.24166666666666667&mode=crop&width=1440&height=810&rnd=133691431945900000)
A SAS emergency responder has been selected to represent Scotland in the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships.
Kayleigh Olsen, a Technician based out of Perth Ambulance Station, will compete in South Africa this October.
Powerlifting consists of three barbell lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift. Kayleigh, aged 28 will compete in the sub 52kg category in the Bench.
Kayleigh, who joined the Service in 2021, said she started powerlifting as a hobby in 2020 after Covid lockdown restrictions were lifted.
She added: “I began my journey at Omega MMA in Perth. They started a woman's powerlifting group overseen by Irene Hallyburton who has been powerlifting for years and competed in the 2019 commonwealth championships in Canada.”
Kayleigh started competing two years later and this year was selected for Scotland, her first year of representing her country.
She said: “I was selected after gaining a 60kg bench press at the 2024 Scottish Bench Press Championships which were held in Livingston. I feel honoured to represent Scotland, even more excited to be a part of a team, especially in a sport which is so individual.
Speaking of her work colleagues, she said: “My colleagues have been nothing but supportive and I can’t thank them enough for their encouraging words and well wishes..”
Kerry Sweeney, Paramedic Team Leader, said: “We would like to congratulate Kayleigh on the impressive feat of getting selected for Scotland and wish her all the best for the championships in October. She is a wonderful ambassador for the Scottish Ambulance Service and will do her country proud.”
Posted on 26/08/2024