Exeter power lifter Shachar crowned World Champion

Exeter College power lifter Shachar Head was relieved to be back on British soil and reflecting on an eventful week in Boston, Massachusetts, USA which saw her break three “teenage 2” world powerlifting records and then make a hasty Sunday morning departure to escape the worst ravages of Superstorm Sandy which caused huge devastation along the Eastern Seaboard.

The last months had proved a rollercoaster of hard training, sweat and tears for the Exeter College A level PE, Human Biology and Psychology student, originally from Newton Abbot College, and the hard work proved successful as she competed in her first competition abroad where she beat off a talented field made up of women from Belgium, France, USA, Malta and the UK. was joined by her grandparents who live in the USA.

The World Drug Free powerlifting championships took place at the Company Arts Theatre, Rockland just south of Boston and a number of the world’s strongest lifters were present for the superbly organised show. Cheered on by a strong British contingent, Head hoisted personal bests in all disciplines except the bench. Not only were the 137.5kg squat (4th lift), 160kg deadlift and 360kg total lifetime bests, they also smashed the existing world bests for a teenager aged 16/17.

Shachar has proved this year that no matter what you go through and however many doubtful comments you receive, that persevering and being dedicated through the tough times and believing in yourself can take you to the top.

Shachar’s response at being crowned world champion in the 70-80kg class; “ I am so made up! I think in the past 3 months I have proved that you CAN achieve things when you set your mind to it no matter what obstacles are put in your way. I’m so lucky to have received the support that I have had and I couldn’t have done it without everyone! This means so much, not only to me, but to my family, coach and friends! I’m so happy that I have been able to make my family proud! But I still find it hard to believe that I can call myself a World Champion! It’s unreal!”

Head was also quick to thank Carl Throgmorton of Westward Developments for his support “without it I wouldn’t have been able to make my dream of competing in the USA come true!”