Mental health nurse sets three Welsh records at Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships

A senior NHS nurse working in Caerphilly has won a silver medal and set three national records while representing Wales at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in Canada.

Olu Akanro, lead nurse for adult mental health and senior nurse for the Ty-Cyfannol and Carn-y-Cefn wards in the Caerphilly Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team, travelled to Winnipeg in September for the international event.

Competing in powerlifting professionally for two years, Olu lifted a combined total of 672.5kg to secure second place overall in his category.

Along the way, he set three new Welsh records: a 250kg squat, a 180kg bench press, and an overall combined total record. He also placed third in the deadlift discipline with a 242.5kg lift.

Olu, who joined Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in April 2012, has worked in the NHS for more than 20 years.

Speaking after the competition, Olu said: “Balancing a demanding role in mental health services with training has been challenging at times, but it has all been worthwhile.

“I’m proud to have brought home a silver medal and to have set three Welsh records along the way.” 

The health board praised Olu’s achievements in Canada and said: “Congratulations, Olu, on an outstanding achievement and for flying the flag for Wales and Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.”

ABUHB