Helensburgh: Lomond School pupil named powerlifting champion

Morgan Gladden was selected to represent her country at the Commonwealth Powerlifting and Bench Press Championships in South Africa in October where she came out on top in her 76kg category.

The 34-year-old won gold in the squat, bench, and deadlift categories, and was named the overall winner making her the new 76kg commonwealth champion.

Sport has always been second nature for the former Lomond School student hailing from Shandon as her main sporting passion was gymnastics.

Sports has always been in Morgan's blood whilst she was studying in Helensburgh (Image: Supplied) Her proud mum, Elizabeth, told the Advertiser: "She used to be a competitive gymnast where she competed for Scotland and she was a hockey captain in Lomond School.

"She got into powerlifting around five years ago completely out of the blue. She was doing CrossFit and somebody mentioned her strength and told her that she should try the sport, so that is exactly what she did. We were shocked when we first found out but we have always supported her."

After studying for a BEd (Honours) degree in Physical Education Teaching from The University of Edinburgh, she moved to Dubai at the age of 24.

She now works as a PE teacher in the Arab country where she thrives in ensuring that children have access to gymnastics and other sports.

This is the 34-year-old's second commonwealth championship that she has competed in (Image: Supplied) "The amount of women that are doing powerlifting is amazing", Elizabeth continued.

"It is fantastic that they are getting into the sport because it proves that they want to be powerful.

"The first time I went to watch Morgan in one of the competitions in Dubai I was amazed. A few more competitions in and realised how great she was at powerlifting because she was winning them."

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Morgan knew she wanted to compete in the Commonwealth Powerlifting and Bench Press Championships in South Africa but she had to win a championship at home to qualify.

So, two years ago she competed in a commonwealth championship in New Zealand and came away with two bronze medals.

Morgan then went on to win the last three Scottish Championships in her weight category as well as being selected by Scottish Powerlifting to compete in the home nation championships for the second time.

Morgan is currently a PE teacher in Dubai but will be returning home next month to compete in another powerlifting competition (Image: Supplied) Her mum added: "The competition was tough because there was one girl who squatted the same 170kg in squats, but it was only because Morgan was lighter than her that it meant she was just ahead of her.

"I think she was nervous but she was determined on the day which helped push her.

"She absolutely loves it and is coming back home next month to compete in the Home Nations. The six top girls of Scotland get picked to do the Home Nations and she was delighted to be asked.

"She has a strong future ahead of her and for as long as she enjoys it she will continue with powerlifting.

"She knows how proud of her we are as her parents. She is intelligent, determined and very hard-working.

"Helensburgh just knows how to produce some of the best upcoming and current athletes."