Raw lifter finds strength in numbers
09 Jun 2025
CDT Manager, Charlotte Hooson-Sykes to compete in European Powerlifting Championships
“Notifications off, music on – just me and the bar and the weights.”
Charlotte Hooson-Sykes – CDT Manager, lifestyle blogger and powerlifter – is competing in the Amateur World Powerlifting Congress (A/WPC) Euro Championships this month.
But while she enjoys competing and loves breaking records – currently holding 3 British records and her eyes on breaking European and World records – Charlotte is more interested in what her body can do and the impact she and her powerlifting community can have.
“Being on the platform doesn’t do it for me,” she explains. “What does is besting myself.”
“Also, the people – they are amazing, the women especially, fantastic and incredibly supportive.
“Master lifters are 40+ so I have friends who are in their 50s, 60s and 70s, and younger people too, just starting out. We cheer each other on. We’re a community.”
That includes practical help too, “how to get protein powder through airport security – a lifting belt is classed as a weapon.”
And she’s happy to return the love: “Getting stronger raises your confidence. If you’re not sure, come to the gym with me. I don’t hide at the gym – I wear colourful clothes – so they won’t be looking at you. They might ask, who is this? I quietly put them to shame.”
Charlotte has worked at the University for 23 years. Currently Manager of the 2D Materials of Tomorrow CDT, she has had various roles across FBMH and FSE. This includes Executive Assistant to Professors Andre Geim and Kostya Novoselov when they discovered graphene – “peak media storm” – and still supports them now.
But again, it’s the campus community that means the most to her – she even met her husband Simon here on her first day.
“It’s always been the people,” she says. “The friends I have here, and being able to see the impact of your work, seeing PhD students from the beginning to the end of their work. Thinking, I helped with that!”
Raw lifter, naked knees
Charlotte will be one of 216 powerlifters competing at the Amateur World Powerlifting Congress (A/WPC) Euro Championships, from 6 to 11 June.
She’s a “raw lifter” – aka “naked knees” – meaning she competes without using specialised supportive equipment beyond basic gym attire, no wrist wraps, knee sleeves, just a weightlifting belt. It focuses on the athlete's natural strength and ability.
So, she trains four days a week, starting at 6.30am and putting in two hours before coming to work on Mondays and Tuesdays.
“Powerlifting takes time, especially when you get to the numbers I lift,” she explains.
Competition wise, those numbers are 145 kg for a deadlift, 77.5 kg for bench press, and 142.5 kg for a squat lift. Or, as she tells her boss, NGI Head of Operations Polly Greensmith, “I could bench you!”
Charlotte’s coach is science-led so helps her and her teammates plan their diet to maximise their protein intake, as well as stay healthy when facing new issues such as menopause.
Having started powerlifting at 38, when an injury stopped her running marathons, she says: “I’m building my body so when I’m 84 I can still get out of my chair without help. Here’s a mobility scooter… I don’t want it.
“I hated PE at school but the thing about sports is there are so many you can try and think, do I like this? What fits? What doesn’t? Yoga, swimming, paddleboarding – it’s not running round the field in a PE skirt on a cold Wednesday!
“So, I’ll just keep going. I’m utterly fascinated by what my body can do, and I learn all about it all the time.”
She’ll also remain an advocate for more people, especially women, to get into the weights room and, if they want, into powerlifting. Strength in numbers with a welcoming, friendly community as well as in your own body.
“People will say, I don’t want to meet you on a dark night. I’m not aggressive – I can just carry my own shopping!”
More power
To find out more, visit:
And you can read Charlotte’s Manchester food and drink blog at:
Photo credit Charlotte powerlifting: Gav Cottrell