Girl Power lifts teenager’s spirits as she surges to victory

A 16-year-old girl from Barnstaple has triumphed in the face of adversity to win twenty British and four world records in powerlifting.

India Teague joined the gym due to struggles with the school system and typical teenage girl problems. She realised that lifting weights not only improved her physical health but also her mental and emotional wellbeing.

She said; ”I found my escape in the sport as well as the wider gym community.”

Finding the confidence to enter competitions in September 2023, India continued: ”I had mum in one ear and dad in the other with the pros and cons. Dad said yes you will be centre of attention, and everybody will be looking at you but the feeling of
achievement and the high you will feel will be worth it.”

Since then, India has won all these accolades.

Despite moments of doubt, India has found out that “I could focus and commit to one thing consistently.”

She joked: “I also realised that I am freakishly strong.”

If she could tell her younger self one thing India would say: “listen to dad!”

Her dad is her coach, and he has done everything possible to help his daughter reach her full potential.

Kev Teague, India’s dad, said that she has progressed so much further being home educated.

He is adamant that India has done all the hard work to stay motivated and mentally focused.

“This is ‘something she learns as she goes through life herself. The hunger for lifting heavier weights or the next competition Is naturally there”, he continued

Rather than India feeling pressurised or fearing the next challenge, Kev added: “‘there isn’t any pressure competing or training – competitions are excitement and adrenalin. It’s fun!”

Powerlifting has taught India many things and Kev said: “reaching goals/results through intelligent work, focus, skills and determination. There is also a great social side to meeting other lifters.”

Finally, Kev observed: “how friendly, warm and accepting the powerlifting community is – more encouraging than other sports - even your closest competitor will want you to make the lift; to push to the limit.”

This year India is hoping to find a sponsor as she moves from strength to strength and heads to the European championships in Poland in June.