Rick Burgon, from Hawarden, has the opportunity to compete at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in Winnipeg, Canada in September.
His powerlifting journey only began in 2024, but in a short time the sport became a huge part of his life.
The 40-year-old said: “Since stepping onto the platform, I have been fortunate enough to achieve some amazing milestones, including winning two Welsh Championships in 2024 and 2026, and finishing second at the British Masters Championships in 2026.
“Now, I’m aiming to take the next step and represent Wales on the international stage.”
Behind the medals and the training is a story of perseverance for Rick. He added: “I live with psoriatic arthritis, a condition that brings its own challenges -including fatigue and exhaustion – there’s no cure but powerlifting has given me a way to push myself, stay strong, and show that limitations don’t have to define what I can achieve.
“I don’t want it to kind of define me, really. I don’t want it to put a limit on what I can do. Although there are some things that are obviously more difficult, but I just thought, it’s not going to hold me back.
“Outside of the gym, I’m a husband and a proud father of four boys. My family has supported me throughout this journey, and I hope to show my family the value of commitment, resilience, and chasing your goals – no matter when you start.”
Competing in Winnipeg will involve significant costs, including travel, accommodation, competition fees, equipment, and preparation.
Rick said: “I’m asking for support to help make this dream a reality and allow me to stand alongside the best Masters lifters from across the Commonwealth. Any additional funds beyond my goal will go towards my wife Holly joining me on this adventure too!
“Every donation, share, and message of support will mean a huge amount to me and my family. Whether you can contribute financially or simply help spread the word, you’ll be playing a part in helping me represent Wales and complete this incredible journey.”
Taking part in the sport goes beyond the physical for Rick, who explains: “I love the community. It’s still quite an amateur sport, so it’s very much about everyone pitching in and helping out. I very much enjoy the process, and for me, going to the gym is my kind of relief, my time away from the rest of the world.”
As well as wife Holly, supporting Rick are his sons Noah, 19, Blake, 17, Hugo, 15, and Eli, 13.
If you would like to help Rick in his goal of competing in Winnipeg, you can donate to his GoFundMe page here: https://tinyurl.com/2ht5dkfx
