Addenbrooke’s nurse Siobhan Taylor ‘more relaxed’ heading into International Powerlifting Federation World Championships
As the defending champion, Siobhan Taylor could be forgiven for feeling the pressure heading into the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Championships.
However, the Addenbrooke’s intensive care unit nurse has insisted that she is in relaxed mood ahead of today’s (22 May) showdown in Drammen, Norway.
Taylor’s momentous victory 12 months ago came during what was a hectic year of competition and training for the Cambridge-born athlete.
But this time around her preparations have been more serene.
“Preparations last year were really full on,” said Taylor. “The opportunities I was given and all of the extra chances, it was such a busy year. I did eight competitions and when you’re also training three times a week, it’s a lot.
“But it’s been different this time around. It’s partly because of life pressures – I made a conscious decision to take a step back as my child was doing their GCSEs and I wanted to focus on them.
“I’m only doing three competitions this year and that suits me. I understand a bit better what my body is capable of and just because I’m not doing as much doesn’t mean I’m not capable of producing good results again.
“It’s definitely more relaxed and sometimes that is when you can produce your best lifts.”
And as well as focusing on her own performance, Taylor will also be concentrating on what her fellow British team-mates produce.
The Balsham-raised lifter has taken on a coaching role within the team – and that is something that she finds more mentally draining than her own fortunes.
She added: “I feel more pressure and anxiety with the coaching. I take it so seriously and I really like supporting and helping a lifter to be the best they can be.
“I really enjoy it, especially watching others achieve, but it’s definitely something that is emotionally exhausting and I’m more wiped out watching than competing myself. I can’t wait to see the success we have as a team.”