\n Caitlin Baxter, who represents Team Sunderland<\/a> and is a postgraduate student at the University of Sunderland<\/a>, 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.\n<\/p>\n \n Ms Baxter, 25, from Newcastle<\/a>, said: “I can’t quite begin to describe how ecstatic I am.”\n<\/p>\n \n “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.”\n<\/p>\n \n \n 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.\n<\/p>\n \n 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.\n<\/p>\n \n 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.\n<\/p>\n \n “It was therefore very rewarding to see it all come together and successfully reach my goals of winning my category and contributing team points.”\n<\/p>\n \n \n \n “This resulted in the Women’s Open English Team placing second, which made the achievement even more special,” she added.\n<\/p>\n \n Ms Baxter said: “I am so grateful for all the support leading up to the competition from my coaches, family and friends, Team Sunderland<\/a> and the Elite Athlete Scheme who I am very proud to be a part of.\n<\/p>\n \n “By nature, powerlifting is an individual sport, but with such amazing support around me, it definitely feels like a team effort.”\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\nCaitlin Baxter at the 2026 Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships (Image: Clean Strength Media)<\/em><\/span>\n<\/p>\n
Caitlin Baxter at the 2026 Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships (Image: Clean Strength Media)<\/em><\/span>\n<\/p>\n
Caitlin Baxter (Image: University of Sunderland)<\/em><\/span>\n<\/p>\n