Butlins worker from Skegness to compete at Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships next month

When she isn’t training at the gym, Anastasia Greenwood works on the fairground at Butlin’s Skegness – where she is often called upon to lift heavy ride equipment.

Now the 22 year-old has been selected to represent Team England at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in the bench press – and is hoping for a podium finish.

“Anastasia is no stranger to putting her strength to use at work,” a Butlins spokesperson said. “As Fairground Assistant Manager, she’s the go-to team member when dodgems and go-karts need moving.”

Having only begun powerlifting last year, Anastasia now holds a personal best of 65kg in the bench press. She decided to begin competing last summer after earning her Level 1 Powerlifting Coaching qualification from British Powerlifting while studying at the University of Lincoln. The Commonwealth Championships will mark only the fifth competition in her powerlifting career. In April, she placed second at the English Bench Press Championships, earning her an invitation to compete for Team England.

To prepare for the competition next month, Anastasia has been training four times a week at Prime Fitness, in Skegness.

“I'm feeling really excited to be competing at my first international event,” she said. “I’ve had to work hard to change my mindset in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Championships, and I’m grateful for the support of my coach and friends. The resort team at Butlins have really got behind me, especially while I’ve been balancing work with training four times a week. I'll be thinking of them as I step onto the platform in Canada.

“Although my main goals are to have fun and enjoy the experience, I am in contention to place first in my category. I’ll absolutely fight for gold, but if I come home with bronze or silver, I'll be just as happy.”

Andrew Leivers, Resort Director at Butlin’s Skegness, said: “Everyone at Butlin’s was incredibly proud when we heard Anastasia had been invited to compete at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships, and we’ll be cheering her on all the way from Skegness in September.

“Anastasia plays a huge role in making sure one of the busiest parts of our resort runs smoothly for thousands of guests, alongside supporting her team. She not only pushes herself to constantly improve but also those around her too.”