BUCS Para-Powerlifting Gold for University of Derby student

A University of Derby Masters student has won a national Para-Powerlifting competition.

Rebecca Bedford, who studies MA Public History and Heritage, took first place in the BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) Para-Powerlifting event’s over 61kg category with a competition best lift of 85kg. This comes just over a month on from her British record lift of 81kg at the Powerlifting World Cup that earned her a fifth-place finish at the international tournament.

Rebecca is among the University of Derby students on the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS). As a TASS athlete, she receives support with balancing her academic studies alongside her sporting commitments, as well as strength and conditioning coaching, sports psychology, physiotherapy and performance lifestyle support to complement her training with GB Weightlifting.

Commenting on her success, Rebecca said: “I am really happy to have won Gold in the BUCS Para-Powerlifting championship for the University of Derby. The 85KG lift was really good for my confidence working towards the British Championships, which will be my next competition and will lead to my goal to qualify for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“The TASS award has been a great support to me in ensuring that I can manage both my academic and sporting commitments together.”

Her performance in the BUCS Para-Powerlifting Competition and the World Cup puts Rebecca in a great position to contest selection for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, as well as supporting her dreams of competing at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.

Ollie Shearer, Director of Sport at the University of Derby, added: “We are delighted for Rebecca. She has capped off a fantastic couple of months at BUCS, following on from her British Record less than two months ago.

“It is great that we have been able to support Rebecca as a TASS student athlete for the past two years. Studying at a TASS Accredited Dual Career university has enabled her to pursue her sporting aspirations, and we are honoured to be part of her journey.”

For more information about the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme at the University of Derby, visit our website.