‘Pumpt’ with power

By Lachlan Ellis
When you think of powerlifting, you might think of big, burly men with lots of muscle, lifting ridiculously heavy objects – but a local powerlifting team is busting that stereotype, with both male and female members, ranging from the ages of 10 to 75.
At Anytime Fitness in Bacchus Marsh, Robin Ross and Michael Ray train a team of around 35 powerlifters. Mr Ray holds multiple Australian records and Ms Ross holds both world and Australian records – but they’re not the only two record holders.
After taking part in the recent ANZAC Day CAPO competition, Team Pumpt boasts a combined ten Australian records, one world record, five first place finishes, three second places and two third places.
At 10 years of age, the group’s youngest member, Charlie, broke the Australian record in deadlift by lifting 55 kilograms, then set a new record at 65 kilograms, despite only weighting 38 kilograms herself.
The group’s oldest member, Cheryl, took up the sport after losing her husband and wanting to get stronger. Since joining, 75-year-old Cheryl has earned a world record, and encourages the older generation to take part – while being fitter and more mobile is a bonus, she says “the best part was finding the community”, and no longer feeling lonely.
Robin Ross said that despite some people being hesitant to get involved with powerlifting, the sport was open to anyone with enough willpower.
“Powerlifting does not discriminate, it doesn’t care how old or young, how tall or short, how heavy or light you are. Despite being seen as a fringe sport, powerlifting is taking Australia by storm with those that have always wanted to do an ‘age-appropriate’ sport enjoying all of the benefits of strength training,” Ms Ross told the Moorabool News.
“This sport encourages you to test your mettle and challenges you. The wonderful thing about the sport is that it’s all-inclusive – even the competitors that you lift against scream for you.”
Members are encouraged not just to stay physically fit, but mentally too – team members Jess Ross and Samantha Taffe are responsible for the mental wellbeing of the group.
Robin Ross says each member of the team has a story to tell, and after this year, Team Pumpt “will surely boast a few more world champions”.
For more information about Team Pumpt, visit www.pumptpt.com.au

To read the full story – Simply click on the following link

https://issuu.com/themooraboolnews/docs/mn_2022-05-31/1

in the 31 May 2022 edition
OR
pick up a paper around your town.