Deborah Alawode

There are not many medical students who also have the time to juggle a weightlifting career, but somehow Deborah Alawode is able to do just that. 

Studying at University College London, the 24-year-old began her weightlifting journey at senior school after a coach introduced her to the sport via a six-week taster course. 

And after becoming British champion in 2021, as well as setting personal bests in the snatch (204kg) and Clean & Jerk (117kg), Alawode now lines up for her first Commonwealth Games this summer.