Commonwealth gold medal for student powerlifter

Caitlin Baxter, a university student from the University of Sunderland, has become the 2026 Commonwealth Powerlifting Champion. Representing England in the Open 57kg category, she claimed victory in both the squat and bench press events before securing third place in the deadlift. Baxter, a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy student, expressed immense pride in her achievement, noting it was her first-ever Commonwealth win and contribution to the Women's Open English Team's second-place finish.

She emphasized the substantial effort involved in her preparation, balancing work, training, and studies. Baxter also set a new Open Commonwealth record in the 57kg category with a 113.5kg bench press and a 177.5kg deadlift, earning her both a bronze medal and a new personal best. Her coach, Laura Hockaday, praised Baxter's hard work and dedication, calling the gold medal "very well deserved."