Commonwealth gold medal for student powerlifter

A university student has been crowned 2026 Commonwealth Powerlifting Champion.

Caitlin Baxter who attends the University of Sunderland, represented England in the Open 57kg category, finishing first overall.

Powerlifting is a strength-based sport that focuses on three main lifts, the squat, the bench press, and the deadlift.

Baxter, who is studying for a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy at the University, took gold in both the squat and bench press before securing third place in the deadlift. She said “a huge amount of hard work” had gone into reaching the competition, which took place in Winnipeg, Canada in September.

The 25-year-old from Newcastle upon Tyne, produced a number of standout performances during the competition, setting a new Open Commonwealth record in the 57kg category with a 113.5kg bench press.

Baxter also produced a 177.5kg deadlift, which earned her both a bronze medal and a new personal best, while establishing a new benchmark for her category across the Yorkshire and North East region.

Baxter produced a 177.5kg deadlift, which earned her both a bronze medal and a new personal best [Clean Strength Media]

“I can’t quite begin to describe how ecstatic I am,” Baxter said. “This was my tenth international competition, but my first ever Commonwealth and win for the Open English Women’s Team, so it all feels incredibly special.

“There was a huge amount of hard work involved in my preparation for this event with balancing work, training, and studies for my diploma. It was very rewarding to see it all come together.”

Baxter’s wins contributed to the Women’s Open English Team placing second in the event, which she said made the achievement “even more special”.

“By nature, powerlifting is an individual sport, but with such amazing support around me, it definitely feels like a team effort.”

Laura Hockaday, sport development assistant manager at the University of Sunderland, said: “We’re so proud of Caitlin’s achievements, to become Commonwealth champion is an amazing accolade and Caitlin has worked incredibly hard chasing her dreams, so the gold medal is very well deserved.”

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.