Roscommon powerlifter Cyrille Bourgeois Bikoi is preparing to represent Ireland at the IPF World Junior Powerlifting Championships in South Africa later this month.
The 21-year-old electrical engineering student secured his place on the Irish team after winning the junior 83kg category at the Irish Powerlifting Federation’s Sub-Junior and Junior National Championships in April.
Cyrille recorded a 247.5kg squat, a 165kg bench press and a 275kg deadlift at the championships, giving him an overall total of 687.5kg.
He will now represent Ireland at the IPF World Sub-Junior and Junior Powerlifting Championships, which will be held in Sun City, South Africa, from August 18 to 29.
Cyrille said representing both Roscommon and Ireland on the international stage was something of which he was extremely proud.
He will also be aiming to challenge the Irish junior bench press record during the competition.
While the Irish Powerlifting Federation covers his competition entry and anti-doping fees, and SBD Ireland provides the Irish team kit, athletes are responsible for most of their remaining travel costs.
Cyrille has launched a GoFundMe campaign with a target of €1,300 to help make his participation at the championships possible.
“This has been a massive goal of mine and means so much to me,” he said.
“If people are able to support me, whether through a donation or by sharing my story, I would be extremely grateful. Every contribution helps and means a great deal.”
Those wishing to support Cyrille can search for ‘Cyrille Bikoi Road to World Championship 2026’ on GoFundMe.
