I am still on a high! It is very surreal to be back home, back to reality,” says Olivia.

Home for Olivia is in Terryglass, Co Tipperary, and reality consists of working full-time as a community pharmacist, maintaining a household and caring for four growing children. A seemingly ordinary lifestyle with a unique twist, thanks to the sport of kettlebells.

“One of the co-owners of the gym that I go to is big into kettlebell sport,” says Olivia.

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“He heard about the competitions and asked a few regular gym goers if we would be interested. That’s where it all started.”

Olivia participated in her first competition two years ago and from there the only way was up. With that said, winning a gold medal at the World Championships in Seoul, South Korea, was not something that Olivia had considered.

“Not for a second did I think I would be competing at such a high level. It gradually became possible,” says Olivia.

“I started competing as a veteran because that allows you to compete against people in the same age bracket as you, but this year the numbers I was hitting were good enough that I could enter the open class against all age groups. I qualified in August for the Worlds.”

Kettlebell sport involves endurance weightlifting. Lifts are carried out for a maximum of 10 minutes in which the athletes aim to complete as many quality reps as possible without placing the kettlebell on the ground. The sport originated in Russia but with the help of Olivia’s success, it is beginning to take hold in Ireland.

“It’s a little-known sport but it is growing, it’s an exciting time for kettlebell sport in Ireland. We have been successful in the Europeans and the Worlds this year, so it is really catching on.”

Time efficient

In Olivia’s house, everything is go, go, go. Time is precious and the efficiency of kettlebells is a huge benefit.

“Kettlebell training is very efficient time wise. Within 40 minutes you can have a lot of work done and you can do it in all weathers,” says Olivia. “This time of year it is not very nice to be heading out running or cycling, where as we can train in the gym summer or winter.”

Olivia’s husband is a dairy farmer and while she may not have time to help out on the farm, she maintains the vital role of keeping things running smoothly at home.

“I prepare meals and do the housework with John’s help. His support is fantastic, allowing me to take the time to train after work in the evenings. I have had great support from all my family.”

Identity

It is not uncommon to hear women expressing their loss of identity after they have had a family because everything else takes priority over their own needs. Kettlebells has been somewhat of a saviour for Olivia in that sense.

“Kettlebell sport is my therapy, it’s my escape,” says Olivia.

“I am more than a wife and a mother, I am me. I have found a part of my life again that I had forgotten existed, particularly since the children came along. I want to continue raising awareness of kettlebell sport and to remind other women that anything is possible!” CL