Nineteen-year-old set to compete in Junior Women’s -69kg category in Winnipeg.
Robyn Gillespie, a 19-year-old powerlifter from Aberdeen, is preparing to represent Scotland at the 2026 Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in Canada. She will compete for Team Scotland in the Junior Women’s -69kg category in Winnipeg this Saturday, September 19th, marking a significant step in her powerlifting journey which began at 16.
Gillespie is already a UK under-18s champion, having secured first place at the Junior British Powerlifting Championships in 2025. Her selection for the Commonwealth Championships came as a surprise. Robyn said: “I put my name in for selection just with the hope that I would be selected.
“So when I got the email through, it was a wow moment, I couldn’t believe it. I’m just so proud to be representing Scotland, it’s a good feeling.”
Robyn’s introduction to the sport came through a powerlifter who worked with her father, who encouraged her to try it. She started going to the gym at 14 and began training specifically for powerlifting two years later. At 16, and with minimal competition preparation, she entered her first powerlifting event where her natural talent was recognised. She said: “I had quite a few people approach me and said, ‘wow, you’re 16, you’re really good at this’, so, from there, I thought maybe I do have potential.”
Three years later, her potential has led to national success and international selection. As she heads to Canada, her current competition lifts stand at a 122kg squat, 75kg bench press, and 158kg deadlift. Robyn maintains a rigorous training schedule, dedicating four sessions a week, split between local gym facilities and Sport Aberdeen’s Get active @ Jesmond gym in the Bridge of Don. She balances her training with a part-time role as a leisure attendant at Get active @ Jesmond and full-time study at RGU.
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The support from her community and the wider powerlifting network has been crucial in building her confidence and opening opportunities. Robyn stated, “Everyone has been so supportive. Powerlifting is such a welcoming, supportive community. Everyone is helping where they can. It’s really nice.” The Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships will be streamed live for free on the official Commonwealth Powerlifting YouTube Channel, with her colleagues and friends at Get active @ Jesmond planning to watch and cheer her on.
Mark Wallace, Sport Aberdeen’s Health, Fitness and Retention Manager, praised Robyn’s accomplishments. He said: “We’re so proud of Robyn and everything she’s achieved through her hard work and dedication. It’s been fantastic to see her progress, and I know everyone at Sport Aberdeen will be cheering her on every step of the way.”
Sport Aberdeen is currently running a fitness promotion for new members; those who sign up this September can get October free. Further details are available by visiting www.sportaberdeen.co.uk/september. This offer is valid until September 30th, 2026, for new members only, requiring code FIT26 at sign-up to waive the October membership payment in full. Minimum contract terms apply and vary by membership type.
