Lottie, who graduated from Leeds Trinity with a 2:1 in Sport and Exercise Sciences in July 2023, was part of the British Weightlifting World Class programme while also studying full time.  She was required to travel from her home in Harrogate to a training base in Loughborough at least three times a month. Towards the end of her first year at university, she competed at the Para Powerlifting World Cup in March 2021, finishing second in the junior division and third in the senior division. 

To ensure Lottie received the required support to manage both her sporting commitments and coursework, she was allocated a place on the University’s ‘Talented Athlete Support Package’, which assists student athletes competing at a high level to manage their studies and sports careers by providing blended learning arrangements and an enhanced level of academic flexibility. 

Lottie said: “The support I received through the Talented Athlete Support Package was incredible. It allowed me to make multiple trips to Loughborough and covered the cost of my accommodation when travelling. I also appreciated having free access to Trinity Fitness [the sports centre at Leeds Trinity’s Main Campus in Horsforth]. The facilities were not only high quality, but also accessible. I can truly say that, if it wasn’t for the support I received from Leeds Trinity, I wouldn’t be in the position I am in today.” 

Upon graduating, Lottie had already turned her attention to qualifying for this year’s Paralympics. A month after collecting her diploma, she competed at the World Para Powerlifting Championships in Dubai, and has since competed in further competitions in Cairo, Dubai and Tbilisi, Georgia. Her fifth-place finish in the latter, where she managed a personal best lift of 104kg, secured her place in ParalympicsGB’s team for the Games in Paris, where she will compete in the women’s 55kg competition. 

Looking ahead to the Paralympics, Lottie said: “I am very proud to have qualified, I have worked so hard and sacrificed a lot over the past four years to reach this point. I cannot wait to be among athletes from different countries and sports in the athletes’ village. Mostly though, I am looking forward to competing with many of my family and friends in the crowd. It will mean everything to take part and, whether I win a medal or not, I will be happy to walk away from the Games as a Paralympian.” 

Sarah Todd, Sports Development and Performance Manager at Leeds Trinity University, said: “I remember meeting Lottie and her mum at a pre-pandemic Open Day and discussing ways in which we could support her sporting career and, even then, she was sharing her aspirations of making it to the Paralympics in 2024. It’s quite surreal to think we are here now, with Lottie having graduated and about to become a Paralympian.

“One of the best parts of my role is supporting the athletes on our Talented Athlete Support Package. It’s difficult to express just how hard it is for dual career athletes to manage both their studies and their sport, but it is so rewarding seeing them achieve their goals. I’m incredibly proud of Lottie and hope her Paralympic experience is everything she has dreamed it would be. I’m so excited to watch her compete and I know the whole Leeds Trinity University community is behind her.”

The Para Powerlifting events will be held between Wednesday 4 and Sunday 8 September. Lottie will be competing in the women’s 55kg event on Thursday 5 September. 

More information about the para powerlifting events at the Paralympic Games is available online. 

For more information about the Talented Athlete Support Package, visit the University website.