LOCAL powerlifter Gabriella “GG” Flory has been selected to represent both Great Britain and England at two major international championships this year.

Gabriella, aged 18, competes in the Sub-Junior under-69kg category and has already established herself among the strongest young bench press athletes in the world. Earlier this year, she finished fifth at the World Bench Press Championships, narrowly missing a potential bronze medal after a ‘technical command issue.’

She has now been selected to represent Great Britain at the European Bench Press Championships in Lithuania on August 4. Later in the year, she will represent England in the classic full-power competition at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in Winnipeg, Canada.

For the European Championships, Gabriella’s goal is to challenge the 87.5kg British bench press record in her age and weight category, with a potential 90kg attempt forming the centre of her preparation.

Gabriella has trained consistently throughout the year, balancing demanding strength sessions at Wellington local gym Spartan Chamber, with her education and preparations to begin studying International Relations at Loughborough University.

However, international powerlifting is largely self-funded. Athletes and their families are responsible for flights, accommodation, official team kit, anti-doping fees, food, local transport and other competition expenses.

The estimated costs are: European Championships in Lithuania: about £1,300, Commonwealth Championships in Canada: about £2,800.

To help with the cost of the two championships, the local gym are launching a fundraising campaign and would be incredibly grateful for any help towards Gabriella’s expenses (https://gofund.me/9b6ca8154) .

Every donation, sponsorship offer or share will help her step onto the international platform representing Great Britain and England with pride.

Gabriella said: “Representing my country is an incredible honour. I have worked hard for the opportunity to compete internationally, and my goal is to give everything I have on the platform. Any support would mean so much to me.”