UoG graduate set to coach and compete at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships

A University of Gloucestershire graduate who started his own powerlifting organisation while still a student is preparing to represent Wales at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships – alongside two of the athletes he now coaches.

Ryan Edwards, who graduated from UoG with a degree in Sports and Exercise Science in 2019, will compete in the 93kg category at the championships in Winnipeg, Canada, on 23 September.

It will be Ryan’s second appearance at the Commonwealth Championships, having previously represented Wales at the competition in South Africa two years ago. He will compete across squat, bench press and deadlift, and is hoping to achieve a personal best by exceeding a combined 680kg across the three disciplines.

But Ryan will not be the only member of Gloucestershire Powerlifters making the journey to Canada. Two athletes he coaches, Chris Prior and Conner Jeffs, will also compete at the championships, representing England and Wales respectively.

Ryan said: “I’m hugely proud of them. It’s amazing to see the transformation in the athletes I coach and to see their ambition grow. I’m really looking forward to supporting them in Winnipeg and helping them to enjoy the experience.”

Originally from Pembrokeshire, Ryan knew from a young age that he wanted a career developing athletes and began coaching at just 13 as a karate instructor.

His journey towards establishing Gloucestershire Powerlifters began while studying Sport and Exercise Sciences at University of Gloucestershire. Alongside his degree, Ryan worked at the University gym and was supported to complete his Level 2 and Level 3 personal training qualifications.

He then began running a fitness class at the University gym, which became the starting point for Gloucestershire Powerlifters and gave him valuable experience of working with clients while he was still studying.

Today, Gloucestershire Powerlifters has more than 20 members attending regular classes, ranging from beginners to experienced international competitors, with its oldest lifter in their 80s.

Ryan said: “What impressed me about University of Gloucestershire was that you weren’t just a number. My tutors knew me as a person and were genuinely interested in helping me achieve my goals. They were knowledgeable and approachable, and great role models.”

Ryan is now looking to grow Gloucestershire Powerlifters further. He has recently expanded his coaching team with three additional coaches and plans to establish classes and workshops in Cinderford and Stonehouse alongside Gloucester, with a longer-term ambition of opening a dedicated gym.