A PARA-powerlifter from Popley saw off her male counterparts to lift a world title in a competition in Canada last weekend.
Alfie Wright competed in five gruelling challenges at the World’s Strongest Disabled Man competition in Ontario including pulling a 2,000lb vehicle for 20 metres by herself, completing this in 62 seconds.
She also competed and won in a 16kg forward hold, a dead lift, a seated lift, and a 48kg kettle bell hold, beating the men that she was competing against.
The part-time receptionist came to the event after her victory in Britain’s Disabled Strongman in April, where she qualified for the world stage.
Alfie said: “It was phenomenal, and I held my own with the men that I was competing against. I was very pleased with my efforts.
“I even managed to do well in the 27 degree heat that the competition was being held in.
“As the lone woman competing, I had to have some kind of competition, so I was put with the seated class.”
Tournament organisers World Disabled Strongman Arnar Mar Jonsson and four-time World’s Strongest Man Magnus Magnusson thought that Alfie was up to the challenge and put her in for the seated class, where she took home a plaque and a medal.
The 46-year-old added: “I was a bit upset at first, I wasn’t sure what to do, but Magnus and Arnar believed I could compete, even though I was a bit sceptical.
“There was a phenomenal reaction from the crowd, and even though I haven’t been in the competitive powerlifting scene long, people were extremely supportive of me and each other.
“I hope that more women get interested in the sport.”
Alfie wears a leg and foot brace due to osteoarthritis in her left knee, due to complications from surgeries.
The trip was aided by donations from the public.
She added: “I can’t thank the people who helped me to get here enough.”
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