Solis said: “Powerlifting is really important to me, both mentally and physically.
“It was amazing to win gold, especially after so many years of hard work and training. It meant so much more after thinking I’d never be able to do powerlifting again.
“To come back and get Commonwealth gold was a dream come true and one of the proudest moments of my life.”
Coach James Crozier watched the championships live from Chelmsford.
He said Solis was out of the sport for six weeks and there was a 50:50 chance she would not compete.
“But she’s always been a fighter, she’s a real inspiration to a lot of people,” he said.
“Nicky is probably one of the hardest workers in the room. When she’s in the gym she puts her all into it.”
Crozier added that it was never too late to start pumping iron.
He said he had clients in their 80s who found weightlifting helped with day-to-day tasks, like “carrying their shopping” and “lifting grandkids”.
Do you have a story suggestion for Essex? Contact us below.
