Tom represent Wales in Powerlifting Commonwealth - SA

My name is Thomas Jago, a 16-year-old powerlifter from Bedlinog, in Merthyr Tydfil. I'm incredibly excited to have been selected by the Welsh Powerlifting Association to represent Wales at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in South Africa this October. I'm reaching out to you today in the hope that you'll be able to consider joining me on this journey and help me reach my goal of competing in South Africa. Your support would mean so much to me and allow me to show the world what Welsh powerlifting is all about.

This is a dream come true and a testament to my dedication to the sport. Despite my age, I've been committed to my training and achieved a gold medal in addition to claiming 12 Welsh records and recently achieving competition personal bests of 180kg squat, 97.5kg bench press, and 205kg deadlift whilst weighing in at 73kg.

To be asked to compete as an international athlete is an absolute honour, but it comes with a significant financial burden especially as a college student :( Sadly, Powerlifting in Wales receives no government funding, so athletes must cover their own expenses, which is estimated to be around £2,200 per person. All donations will make a real difference in helping me reach my goal. Your support will help cover the costs of travel, accommodation, competition kit, entry fees, anti-doping costs and other essential expenses.

My Journey

The aftermath of COVID lockdowns was tough for teenagers like me. We'd missed out on so much, and many of us struggled with our mental health. So, in 2021, I started going to the gym as an escape and a way to get active. I quickly fell in love with squats, bench presses, and deadlifts, even though I was a complete gym newbie. I taught myself by watching countless powerlifting videos online and constantly analysing my own technique.

By 2022, I entered my first competition, the Welsh Powerlifting Association Autumn Cup, at just 14 years old. I placed third and set five Welsh records! That qualified me for the 2023 British Championships, where I gained invaluable experience that helped me win gold at the Welsh Championships just a month later, bringing my record count to 12.

In 2023, I moved up a weight class and competed in the Autumn Cup again, qualifying me for the 2024 British Championships, which was an amazing experience. I got this far, all by myself, no trainer or coach, just the support and encouragement from mam and dad at each competition.

My most recent competition was the 2024 Welsh Championships, where, with the help of a personal coach, I achieved all personal bests and lifted a total of 482.5kg (almost 76 stone!).

I'm a dedicated student and athlete, balancing my training with my A-level studies. As a student, I rely on my family's support for my powerlifting endeavours. Last year, I was very fortunate to receive an award of £500 through the Scott Abbruzzese Sporting Scholarship that allowed me to hire a personal coach, greatly enhancing my training and performance. I have also recently secured a part time job in my local rugby club so I can contribute toward my goals.

Powerlifting has become more than just a sport for me. It's a way to manage my ADHD, clear my mind, and build healthy habits. I want to show other teenagers that no matter what challenges they face in life, they can find something they love and excel at it, just like I have with powerlifting. This opportunity to compete internationally will make all my hard work and dedication be worth it, and I hope it inspires others to pursue their passions with the same determination.

Any donation, big or small, to help me on my journey will be gratefully appreciated.

Many thanks for taking the time to read my story and please consider my cause and even if you are not in a position to support me financially, please share my page if you can :)

Your gratefully,

Tom