Navy Leaders Champion Eying Maltese Mission After Personal Best At World Championships
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Powerlifter, Royal Navy submariner, and Navy Leaders champion Wesley McGuinness managed his best personal performance yet at the IPF World Bench Press Championships 2025.
And while his stellar sequence — three fully successful lifts of 190kg, 197.5kg, and 200kg respectively, marking a +7.5kg PB — might not have secured a place on the podium for Team GB, he was still very happy with his efforts in Drammen, Norway.
Read our in-depth feature on Wesley’s life and career — including the tale of his gold-medal triumph:
Good things come to those who (lift) weight!
Wesley commented: “I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity. A heartfelt thank you to the coaching staff for their invaluable guidance and support throughout the day. To my family and friends — your unwavering encouragement means the world to me. None of this would be possible without you.
“It was also a pleasure reconnecting with so many from the powerlifting community and meeting new faces along the way.
“Finally, thank you to everyone who reached out with well-wishes and support. Every message truly meant a lot.”
The next big event the lifter has set his sights on is the European Championships in Malta, on September 25. He’s waiting to hear whether he’s won selection to represent Great Britain: the nominations will be announced in roughly two weeks’ time.
He this week said: “If selected, this will mark my third time representing Team GB at the European level — and my seventh international competition overall while donning the GB singlet.
“I’m especially excited about the prospect of competing in Malta, as I’ve never visited before. This year’s powerlifting calendar is shaping up to be a busy one, filled with major international events, and I look forward to proudly representing both Navy Leaders and the Royal Navy on the global stage once again.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Navy Leaders for their continued support. Without their backing, attending any international event this year would not have been possible. Their support has been vital in helping me focus on recovery and preparation for these competitions.”
Ahead of his possible trip to Valletta, he added: “I will be training hard up until then. In nine weeks’ time I have my next full power event, the SBD Southern Qualifier Championships in Fareham on July 27, where I will be looking to increase my total.”
Wes has also been confirmed as a member of the organising committee for the first-ever British Powerlifting Hands Across The Sea Championships 2025.
This ground-breaking event, styled as a 'bridge between lifters across continents,' will comprise both U.K. and U.S. athletes. Scheduled for November 22, it is intended to showcase international talent, and celebrate the strength of the global powerlifting community.