Cameron Wass will compete in Canada after a meteoric rise in the sport
Cameron Wass in action(Image: supplied image)
A teenager from North East Lincolnshire is hoping to raise the profile of the sport he loves after qualifying to represent Team England in powerlifting. Cameron Wass works as a lifeguard at Haven in Cleethorpes but the next few days will see him not poolside but in the spotlight of the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in Winnipeg, Canada.
Eighteen-year-old Cameron, who has just passed his driving test, is seeing a test of a very different kind on Sunday (September 20) when he steps up in the u66kg weight class, sub-junior age category, for classic full power – the full three-lift disciplines of squat, bench press and deadlift (SBD) performed in classic (raw) lifting, which allows a belt, sleeves, and wrist wraps, but not supportive suits or shirts.
Cameron, who lives in Cleehtorpes, said he was both excited and nervous to be representing his country. “It’s an honour being in the England team,” he said.
Grimsby-born Cameron was studying at college for his Level 2 in Sport when he found he could handle big weights and was “quite strong” for his age. “A personal coach reached out to me and I hired him,” Cameron said.
The teenager stepped onto the competitive platform for his very first event in February this year, at the South Midlands Divisional Powerlifting competition. His progression since has astonished the domestic circuit.
In just his second-ever SBD event at the National Championships in Guildford, Cameron secured third place in the entire country. This was quickly followed by a second-place finish at the All England Sub-Junior and Junior Championships.
To earn an international singlet and represent his country after competing in only three events this year is a testament to an extraordinary level of dedication and hard work, the powerlifting circuit has acknowledged. “Powerlifting is one of the best things that has happened to me.
“I’ve always been interested in sport and always wanted it as a career.” Cameron’s ultimate goal in powerlifting? “I’d like to be world champion.”
Away from the barbell, Cameron is a familiar face to the local community through his work as a lifeguard in Cleethorpes. “It’s very, very good there, I’ve been doing it for about 14 months; it’s a really fun job and an active job and I love it.”
Because powerlifting is a completely self-funded sport, athletes must cover all their own travel, accommodation, and official kit expenses. Demonstrating his total commitment to the sport, Cameron is even using his 18th birthday savings to help fund the trip to Canada.
His proud mum, Amanda Wass, is travelling with Cameron. “I’m with him every step of the way,” she said.
“I am blown away by his dedication. He is completely invested in every way and he is so strict with his training and so passionate about it. It’s every mother’s wish to see their child’s dream fulfilled like this.”
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