March mum wins bronze medal in Rome

A mother from March is celebrating after winning a bronze medal for Team GB at the BDFPA World Championship for bench press held in Rome.

Student paramedic and mother-of-one, Stephanie Laver, returned home triumphant after claiming third place on the podium in a fiercely competitive international event.

Held at the Palatorrino Sports Palace, the championship saw athletes from across the globe, including Italy, Moldova, the USA, Australia, France, and more, come together to compete in scorching 38°C conditions, with no air conditioning in the sports hall.

Representing Great Britain, Stephanie, 34, said she was “over the moon” with her performance, particularly as it was her first international medal since reigniting her passion for powerlifting just last year.

“I used to do powerlifting years ago, before I had my son Oliver,” she said.

“But it was only ever a hobby. Last July, I decided to get serious and started personal training with Nathan Crofts at Ironhearts Gym in March. He’s been a fantastic coach and has really helped build my strength.”

The weekend event was a success for Team GB, who finished second overall behind Italy, with Moldova taking third place.

But the medal meant even more for Stephanie, who balances intense training with the demands of parenthood and studying for her paramedic degree in Peterborough.

“It’s definitely a juggle," she admitted.

"Being a mum to a four-year-old, studying, and training – but it’s all worth it. Standing on that podium representing my country was phenomenal.”

Despite the challenging heat, the Fenland mum said the weekend was unforgettable.

“It was a fabulous experience. We celebrated with some delicious Italian food, wine, and a limoncello spritz!”

Now back in Cambridgeshire, she’s already looking ahead.

Her next goal is the European Championships, to be held this September in Horncastle, Lincolnshire.

If she places in the top three in her category there, she could qualify for next year’s World Championships, potentially in Australia or the USA.

Though this was her first international medal for Team GB, it’s far from her first accolade in the sport.

Stephanie has already earned a collection of trophies from divisional and national competitions and had to qualify at the National Championships in Horncastle earlier this year to earn her place at the Worlds in Rome.

“The bronze has motivated me more than ever,” she added.

“I’ll be training hard over the next few months and giving it everything at the Europeans. It’s just the beginning.”