The Deadlifting Grandma: 'I'm a world champion'

Martine Barons who began lifting weights during lockdown is now a three-time world champion

A 65-year-old grandmother has become a three-time world champion powerlifter after only starting the sport two and a half years ago.

Martine Barons, from Stratford-upon-Avon, said she began lifting weights during lockdown after listening to a seminar that said women going through menopause should run less and lift more.

Her colleague at the University of Warwick, who is also a personal trainer, then showed Barons how to deadlift, and spotted her potential. Barons is now nicknamed The Deadlifting Grandma.

On Monday, she won at the AWPC World Powerlifting Championships in the 65 to 85 age group, becoming a three-time world champion, after starting out entering competitions just for fun.