Olivia Broome inspired by England teammate to beat illness for Commonwealth Games medal
Chorley medallist won’t allow illness to prevent podium place in Glasgow
Chorley's Olivia Broome was delighted with her bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games after revealing her build-up to the Glasgow spectacular was hit by illness.
The 25-year-old para powerlifter, who won silver at Birmingham four years ago, was happy with her podium place for Team England after less than ideal preparation.
Olivia lifted 119kg in the lightweight category on Friday to finish behind the Nigerian one-two of Esther Nworgu, who claimed a Games record 119 points, and Esther Oyema.
She said: “After battling a bit of an illness last week, to be walking away with this I'm happy. After my last training session I wasn’t happy.
"It was very much a case of, ‘Okay, the training's happened, it's done. We know why training's not gone well. How can I physically and mentally bring myself to competition day?’ It was a case of shutting off my brain to just focus on what I do.”
Olivia faced stiff competition to add to her impressive medal collection, which also includes a pair of Paralympic bronze medals as well as world championship gold at senior and junior level.
She added: "We've got a really good routine with the coaches. They’re looking at what others are doing and I can just sit and prepare myself, get focused, and I don't need to get myself too stressed.”
While Olivia did not watch her opponents in action, she did see teammate Mark Swan win England's first gold of the games in the equivalent men's competition earlier in the day.
“I didn't think I'd get to see Mark's performance, so being able to watch it was incredible," Olivia said.
“Seeing him achieve the results he has gives that extra drive you might want. You want to keep that momentum going.”
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