2022 Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships

Hey Guys, My name is Ieuan Barry.

I am a 21-year-old powerlifter from Caerphilly who has recently had the great honour of being selected to represent my country in the 2022 Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships, Auckland, New Zealand, starting on 27th November 2022. This will be my first ever competition on an international level.

I am 21 years old. I have autism. (ASD) I was diagnosed at the age of 5. The doctors told my parents that I would never be able to talk and do lots of everyday things. When I was younger, I really wanted to participate in sports. I tried many sports such as football, rugby, long jumping and long-distance running. When participating in these sports, people would leave me on the sidelines or leave me to be the last one to be picked, and that really upset me and made me very frustrated. I began to think that I would never be good enough to participate in a sport.

Like other teenagers, I wanted to build muscle, so I got into weight training and really enjoyed it. Over time I wanted to be good at something like other people are. Not just good, but incredible. I wanted to show them! So Powerlifting became my way of doing it.

For 4 years I designed and followed my own training programmes and meal plans and been to the gym most days. During the lockdown, me and my dad built an outdoor shelter so that I could continue training outside because my weights were too heavy for the floor inside. I never gave up. This year I employed a coach with some of my student finances so that I could work towards competing in my first ever Powerlifting Meet. When I recently took part in the Welsh Powerlifting Championships, I achieved 3 PBs and only narrowly missed out on a medal! That was the first time in my life that I actually felt I was good at something. I felt incredible!

Being told I was selected for the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships was beyond my wildest dreams!

I have just graduated with a 2;1 degree in Strength and Conditioning from University. As an autistic person, I am finding it difficult to get work, so I am currently doing work experience at a Gym. For these reasons, I am unable to finance this opportunity myself entirely. I need to raise enough money for my travel, accommodation, kit and other necessary expenses. I am in the process of finding sponsorships but need some extra help. If you consider donating to this page, I would be very grateful.