A record breaking Nottinghamshire powerlifter says she 'feels human again' after an 'unbelievable' achievement. Marina Rose, 22, who lives in Mansfield, broke the British Powerlifting Federation's record for the 60kg tested weight class by deadlifting 95kg on October 2 - nearly twice her bodyweight.
Ms Rose, who works in IT, said the achievement was despite a troubled past and being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). She said her record setting lift had been a complete surprise, and had restored her self belief.
"What happened was I was in an abusive situation, where my family went through a lot and I was left in a lot of debt. I was going insane - so my trainer contacted me and he said 'come back to the gym, it will be good for you and we have some competitions coming back'.
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"The competition took place in October in Boston. I went back to the gym in August, so I had those two months to train. I train as much as I can, about three times a week. My trainer was chasing me, saying I had to come to the gym.
"When we got there, I weighed in at 56kg, so I essentially only had to lift 55kg. But my first lift I started at 55, then I went to 60, then I went to 95kg and lifted it with ease. That's a record now for the British Powerlifting Federation.
"I was always put down in the past and told I would not be anything, so I was terrified knowing the lift was live and everyone could see me. But when I got there I just lifted it and went 'oh my god', it made me feel human again when I got that medal and recognition.
"I could not believe it, it was unbelievable. I can't tell people how happy it has made me."
The lifter said she opted not to use protein shakes or pre-work out, and that she had rediscovered her love of food recently after BPD affected her appetite. Ms Rose added: "I have problems eating, I was diagnosed with BPD so I find it hard to eat sometimes. My trainer always tells me to eat whatever I can, carbs, chicken, meat, anything I can.
"It's all about volume, you have to have a good breakfast or you just can't lift, so I've had to go from not eating to finding my love for food again. I don't even have protein shakes or pre-work out, because I think I would be bouncing off the walls.
"Your strength comes from your food, so you can just eat as much good food as possible - because you will burn a lot off at the gym anyway." Ms Rose qualified for the national competition by qualifying in the top three with her record breaking lift, and if she comes in the top three there she will get to the European competition.
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