A POWERLIFTER who lives near Salisbury will be taking her strength and expertise to the global stage, as one of two people from Great Britain selected to compete in The World Games.

This July Ellie Steel will be heading to the United States to put her power lifting skills to the test, as part of the invite-only international competition.

Ellie, due to move from Whiteparish to Landford, said it was “a huge privilege” to be invited to compete in the games, describing it as “an event made up of sports that are not contested in the Olympics”.

“It’s one of the only things we aim towards, as it’s the pinnacle for power lifters,” she said.

“Only the best of the best go to The World Games, so it is a huge deal to be invited. I hope I can do Great Britain proud.”

Ellie started her sporting journey with diving, but after an accident moved on to strong woman lifting during her time at university. Being five foot, Ellie was not the correct build for this type of sport and was instead introduced to power lifting, which she started on her return to the south.

A decade later, the 30-year-old’s personal bests include 217.5kg squat, 180kg dead lift and 105.5kg bench press, and she is competing in competitions and championships all over the world.

Salisbury Journal: Ellie Steel will be competing in The World Games, representing Great Britain in power liftingEllie Steel will be competing in The World Games, representing Great Britain in power lifting

On top of The World Games the athlete has a busy sporting calendar for the year ahead, with training four times a week, and competitions in May and September.

“You have to already be a world champion to be invited to The World Games, it’s our version of the Olympics, so that’s pushing me on,” Ellie added, “I’m feeling very motivated.”

“I tend to do better under pressure, so I’m nervous but I’m looking forward to it.”

Going for gold is not the only milestone Ellie hopes to celebrate this year however; getting married in Spain this June.

“The World Games is our honeymoon,” she laughed.

Talking about persistence and getting to where she is now, Ellie said: “It feels like we’re talking about someone else. I can’t believe how far I’ve come.

“It’s such a process, you just need to keep trying and working hard. You can get from last place to the top if you just stick at it. I wasn’t sure what to do to start with but I carried on with my coach, and I’ve managed to do so much.

“After lifting for ten years, it is so nice to finally be taking part in the event I’ve always wanted to do.”

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