Oliver Whalley, 19, has also battled struggles with his mental and physical health to achieve his record-breaking success
A teenager from Longbenton with autism has won a powerlifting title at the European Championships last Thursday. Oliver Whalley, 19, has also battled struggles with his mental and physical health to achieve his record-breaking success, and has been supported all the way by his gym, STAG Fitness Strength Centre in Percy Main, North Shields.
Just over a year ago, Oliver was gearing up for the British Championships, where he finished third, and hit a low point with his depression and anxiety.
Oliver, who was diagnosed with autism at 13, said: “I feel like my physical health and mental health were impacting each other, and I was stuck in a loop that I couldn’t get away from. Things definitely got worse after that before they got better, and it’s still something that I am struggling with to this date.”
Through perseverance and determination, Oliver was able to bounce back last November, when he squatted the most of any teenage in the Yorkshire and North East region, an incredible 267.5 kilos.
He followed up on this momentum by comfortably qualifying for the European Championships in Poland back in May, before he participated in the competition itself on Thursday, June 12, winning the 19 and under category.
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Oliver continued: “I think what got me through was wanting to create fairy-tale ending for myself, as it felt like I flipped a switch after my heaviest prep day, and I thought ‘if I can do that, I can do anything’.
“The competition itself was the same as always, with the three disciplines being squat, bench and deadlift. It was in Poland, which meant I had to travel on a plane for the first time, which was a scary experience, but everyone from the gym looked after me.
“Craig Orange, the owner, knew my dad from when he was young, as he gave him guidance, so he has always taken good care of me. He was working at another gym initially, but as soon as he started his own place I joined him there.
“When I won the competition I’ll admit that I cried, I was just overwhelmed with emotion as none of it was easy but it all felt worth it at that point. I also coach people with disabilities so being able to set an example for them was such an incredible feeling.”
On the advice he would give someone who is struggling, Oliver added: “There is nothing more important than being able to help people and being understanding about what they are dealing with. I always say to people ‘don’t stop’, even when the negativity hits you, as I know from experience that some effort is better than no effort at all.”
