A university powerlifter has been crowned Commonwealth champion after topping the podium at an international competition in Canada.
Caitlin Baxter, who represents Team Sunderland and is a postgraduate student at the University of Sunderland, took gold in the Open 57kg category at the 2026 Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships, securing first place in both the squat and bench press, and third in the deadlift.
Ms Baxter, 25, from Newcastle, said: “I can’t quite begin to describe how ecstatic I am.”
“This was my tenth international competition, but my first ever Commonwealths and win for the Open English Women’s Team, so it all feels incredibly special.”
Caitlin Baxter at the 2026 Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships (Image: Clean Strength Media)
She lifted 170kg in the squat, 113.5kg in the bench press, and 177.5kg in the deadlift for a combined total of 461kg at just 56.08kg body weight.
Her 113.5kg bench press set a new Open Commonwealth record for her category, while her 177.5kg deadlift was a personal best and set a new record for the Yorkshire and north-east region.
Ms Baxter said: “There was a huge amount of hard work involved in my preparation for this event with balancing work, training and studies for my diploma.
“It was therefore very rewarding to see it all come together and successfully reach my goals of winning my category and contributing team points.”
Caitlin Baxter at the 2026 Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships (Image: Clean Strength Media)
Caitlin Baxter (Image: University of Sunderland)
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“This resulted in the Women’s Open English Team placing second, which made the achievement even more special,” she added.
Ms Baxter said: “I am so grateful for all the support leading up to the competition from my coaches, family and friends, Team Sunderland and the Elite Athlete Scheme who I am very proud to be a part of.
“By nature, powerlifting is an individual sport, but with such amazing support around me, it definitely feels like a team effort.”
