Vaccinator Maureen Gordon has used her formidable strength to become a world champion powerlifter.
In December 2017 Maureen won the Scottish Championships. In June 2021 she won the British Championships followed shortly thereafter by winning the World Full Power Championship for her age group in Romania and, most recently, won the World Bench Press Championships in Lithuania.
Maureen retired as a mental health nurse in 2019 from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde after 33 years’ service. In January 2021 she joined NHS Lanarkshire’s staff bank where she took on the role as vaccinator to assist with the roll-out of the vaccination programme, working in various vaccination centres across Lanarkshire.
Maureen has spent most of her life doing karate and got into powerlifting by chance when she met a fellow powerlifter. With support from a special powerlifting coach and nutritionist, Maureen’s fitness level has gone from strength to strength. When she is not protecting the people of Lanarkshire against Covid-19, she is spending any spare time training at her local gym in Cumbernauld.
Maureen said: “It’s been a great feeling, a great sense of achievement. It’s definitely been a team effort – everything came together at the right time.
“At first I couldn’t believe it and took a while for it to sink in.
“Working as part of the staff bank has given me the opportunity to work when I can. I feel privileged that I’ve been able to come back and do the work I do”.
Maureen’s hidden talent received national recognition when she recently featured in the Daily Record. To read the article, visit: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/in-your-area/lanarkshire/retired-lanarkshire-nurse-picks-up-25458480
Maureen’s next challenge is to compete in the British Championships in January 2022.
We wish Maureen all the luck in her endeavour.
