Teenage Powerlifter Channels Grief into Championship Success

Will Anders, an 18-year-old powerlifting champion from Woodbridge, Suffolk, has stated that the gym provided crucial support following his father’s passing. In 2021, Anders experienced a period of weight gain and a significant mental downturn, leading to an inability to confront his reflection. Nevertheless, he transformed his personal suffering into motivation, securing four gold medals at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships held in South Africa this month. “I know that everything that I’ve been through has made me what I am today,” Anders remarked. Acknowledging the “crazy support” from his family, he established a new personal best in South Africa, achieving a total of 622.5kg (98st) across all his lifts. This achievement comes after a challenging period for the teenager, whose father passed away from a brain tumour in December 2020. Rob Anders, who had dedicated 30 years to service in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, had recently received an OBE before being sent home for evaluation due to unexpected health issues. Following a series of medical examinations, doctors informed him he had a maximum of 18 months to live. Will Anders found himself assisting his father with mobility, including navigating stairs and transferring into a wheelchair, which prompted him to vow never to experience physical weakness again. Subsequent to his father’s funeral, he resolved to “get it together” and commence attending the gym. Anders stated, “I realised, what’s the point in being alive if I’m not going to do anything and impact people’s lives like [dad] did?” Following an inconsistent phase with gym attendance and subsequent weight gain, he began powerlifting on New Year’s Day in 2023, successfully losing 12kg (1.88st). Anders commented that enrolling in his initial competition “completely changed my life.” He further explained, “There’s just so much support for you when you’re on the platform because everyone understands that you can only do your best.” Nearly three years subsequent to his father receiving the OBE for his involvement in hurricane rescue operations, Anders was present at Buckingham Palace for the investiture ceremony. The 18-year-old asserted that his past experiences have shaped him into “what I am today.” He also stated: “It’s made me quite resilient and very determined to the point that if I want something, I’ll get it done.”