Louise Sugden

Started: She took up Para powerlifting in June 2017 at Loughborough University in England. (Athlete, 16 Jun 2019; louisesugden.co.uk, 19 Nov 2017) Reason: She felt that she needed a new challenge after retiring from international wheelchair basketball in August 2016. "I tried a couple of different sports - rowing, canoeing, and powerlifting. I just really took to powerlifting. Then I stumbled upon Para powerlifting. I've always been strong and I love the gym but I could not have imagined that my body would take to the sport in such a positive way." (swlondoner.co.uk, 19 Nov 2018; louisesugden.co.uk, 09 Oct 2017, 19 Aug 2016) Ambition: To compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (Instagram profile, 02 Sep 2023) Additional Info: PARIS AMBITIONS After returning from her 2022 shoulder injury, she made the decision to move down from the 86kg weight class to 79kg for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. "I didn't have the time to get as strong as I needed to be able to lift and challenge for a medal in the 86kg. I would need to lift around 136kg to be a medal contender, but in the 79kg event, bronze will be around 131kg. I lifted 128kg at my last competition [speaking in July 2024] and my PB [personal best] is 131kg, so that is what I have my eye on. If you had asked me a year ago if I would make it to Paris, I would have been in two minds because of the mountain I had to climb, so I am delighted to be able to go, both after the injury and only having three years to prepare. I would like to finish in the top four. I would love to be on the podium, but I am realistic that it will be difficult. It doesn't mean I can't, but I will just do what I can do." (bbc.com, 25 Jul 2024) SWITCHING SPORT After putting an end to her career in wheelchair basketball she took up Para powerlifting in 2017. After just nine months in her new sport, she won a silver medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, QLD, Australia. "It's a change in environment and mindset from wheelchair basketball. Unless my body suddenly gives up, there is no reason I can't achieve plenty more." (bucksfreepress.co.uk, 10 Apr 2018) COACHING She has coached the London Titans wheelchair basketball team in England, and wheelchair basketball team ASD Santo Stefano Sport in Italy. (LinkedIn profile, 29 Jan 2024; louisesugden.co.uk, 24 Oct 2017) OCCUPATION She is a trained chartered accountant. (LinkedIn profile, 29 Jan 2024; Athlete, 16 Jun 2019)