Larne powerlifters prepare to represent Northern Ireland at Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in Canada

Team-mates Caitlin Shardlow, Megan Shardlow, Naomi Ross and Justin White will travel to Winnipeg, Canada for the event from September 17-27.

Megan has previously represented Northern Ireland internationally at the 2024 Commonwealth Championships in South Africa and the 2026 Small Nations Championships in Luxembourg.

She won an international silver medal in the deadlift and holds two Northern Ireland records. "To get to represent my country on the international stage for a third time is an honour, and wouldn't be possible without the help and support shown over the years,” Megan said. “As a female strength coach I hope to inspire other women to embrace strength training and discover what you're actually capable of.”

Caitlin discovered powerlifting at the start of her fitness journey in 2024 and, after watching her sister compete in South Africa that same year, set herself the goal of competing at the next Commonwealths. "The opportunity to compete for my country is genuinely a dream come true,” said Caitlin, who won gold at the Commonwealth Qualifier in March 2026, placing first in the Junior 84kg+ category. She also has four gold medals during her competitive career; has been invited to two national competitions, winning gold at both, and holds six Northern Ireland records in her age and weight class.

Meanwhile, Justin has earned one gold, two silver and one bronze medal in local competitions. "I enjoy being physically active through powerlifting, strength training for the mental and physical benefits, and playing/coaching football,” he said.

Naomi, who is Head Coach at Larne Gymnastics Academy, won first place at her debut competition in March 2026 and followed this with another first-place finish in May 2026. “I'm terribly excited (and a little terrified) to be competing internationally for the first time,” she said. “As a coach I encourage others to step outside their comfort zone and now I'm doing it myself to show my athletes and women everywhere that it's never too late to start something new.”

While they are working hard to fund as many of the costs themselves as possible, the group are seeking additional support to help with travel, accommodation, and competition expenses.

Their GoFundMe page is available here.

"As a team, we are incredibly proud to have been selected to represent Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Championships and to showcase the talent coming from our local gym in Larne,” Caitlin said.

"Our coach is Jack Snoddy, who coaches at House of Health Larne, where the team also trains. Jack has been instrumental in helping each of us reach this level. From creating individual training programmes and spending countless hours coaching us in the gym, to giving up weekends to attend competitions and travelling internationally to support athletes, his dedication to the sport and his lifters is second to none.

"More than just a coach, Jack is our biggest supporter and cheerleader. He celebrates every achievement with us, encourages us through setbacks, and always pushes us to believe we are capable of more than we think. We genuinely would not have achieved what we have without his guidance, encouragement and commitment.”