'I took up competitive weightlifting at the age of 64'

A woman who took up weightlifting for the first time five months ago has enjoyed success in her first national competition at the age of 64.

Jackie Mathers, a university chief academic officer from York, was inspired by the exploits of her son Ben Gibson, a British champion in the sport.

After deciding to begin training in October 2024, she has now won a silver medal in the women's 60-69 84kg category at the British Classic Bench Press Championships.

She said: "It's been really great to do it and my strength and confidence is brilliant."

The powerlifting novice, who works for Coventry University, said: "It was really scary but amazing that you can - within 12 weeks - go through a process and actually win a medal."

She completed the training with the help of her 28-year-old son, a health club manager.

She said: "How wonderful is it to train with your son and actually enjoy it?

"We've had the odd fall-out but apart from that it's been absolutely brilliant."

Mr Gibson, who is also a personal trainer and two-time champion in the 120kg+ category, said: "It's been great fun.

"I'm so proud. I think she got over some really big nerves over the weekend to get onto the platform and she did a really good job."

Ms Mathers worked in the finance sector before joining York St John University and her current role includes Coventry University's campus in Scarborough.

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