An 18-year-old powerlifter from Redditch has secured multiple medals at a global championship despite competing through intense pain caused by endometriosis. Lhamo Weston claimed double gold and a bronze at the World Sub-Junior & Junior Powerlifting Championships held in South Africa last month.
Weston, who began the sport just three years ago after being encouraged by her brother, finished second overall in the Under 57kg category. Her results included victories in the squat and deadlift events, alongside a third-place finish in the bench press.
The teenager revealed that a flare-up of endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the womb lining grows outside the uterus, occurred shortly before the competition. She described experiencing excruciating pain, fatigue, and back issues that mimicked a spinal injury, which also complicated her efforts to make weight.
“It can affect my training with the pain, I get quite tired and I also get back pain which can feel the same as a back injury. It was difficult but we managed to do it,” Weston said.
Although she had not initially expected to place first, Weston expressed delight at exceeding her podium ambitions. She highlighted the supportive nature of the powerlifting community, noting that the sport’s inclusivity helps bring athletes together.
Weston now uses social media platforms to raise awareness about living with endometriosis as a young female athlete. Having been diagnosed only last year after dealing with symptoms since age 12, she emphasized that one in ten women in the UK are affected, yet public understanding remains limited.
“There’s not enough awareness about it and how it actually impacts women and girls,” she stated. “I just think there needs to be more awareness so we can try and find solutions to help other people.”
Sam Pope from Elite Fitness in Redditch, where Weston trains, praised her determination. Despite recently moving to Worcester, Weston continues to commute 45 minutes to train at the gym. Pope described her as an inspiration to younger athletes, proving that sustained effort leads to reward.
Endometriosis is so misunderstood. It is great to see an athlete speaking out about it. Thank you for raising awareness, Lhamo.
How does she train through endometriosis flare-ups? I have mild symptoms and struggle to walk to work. This gives me so much hope.
Wow, winning two golds while in that much pain is absolutely incredible. Lhamo is a true inspiration!