Sarah Cochrane

Sarah Cochrane

• 2019 world championships 20th
• 2019 Pacific Games 2nd
• 2019 Commonwealth Championship 3rd
• 2019 Oceania Championships 2nd
• 2021 World Championships 7th
• 2021 Commonwealth Championships 1st
• 2021 Oceania Championships 1st
• Currently qualified for 2022 Commonwealth Games

What event will you be participating at the NQ Games?

Olympic Weightlifting

Have you ever competed in an NQ Games before?

Yes, I competed as a weightlifter in 2018 and have competed as a gymnast in the past.

If so, what’s your favourite memory/experience of the sport?

My favourite memory would probably be the 2018 NQ Games. It was only my second ever weightlifting competition and I had a few friends and family members travel to Mackay with me to show their support.

How important is it for you to have local competition like this event?

Local competition is really important. Competitive weightlifting is fairly new to the Townsville area. When I first started competing, we had to do a lot of travel to get experience and qualify for events but access to local competitions like this event has meant the sport has grown significantly with more and more people getting involved.

What’s your best piece of advice for athletes in your sport?

Be proud of your progress and acknowledge all the little day to day wins.

Who has inspired you the most in your sport?

My coach, Bryce, and the owner of my gym, Dan, were the ones who originally inspired my move to weightlifting from CrossFit. They helped me believe that I could take the leap and try something new and continue to support my progress every step of the way.

What part of North Queensland are you from?

I was born in Rockhampton but have been living in Townsville since 2008.

What’s your favourite thing to do in Townsville?

I love spending time outdoors – whether it’s at the beach, the gardens or one of the national parks.

How did you start/get into this sport?

I transitioned from CrossFit to Weightlifting in 2018. I always enjoyed the weightlifting component of CrossFit and I originally just wanted to do a weightlifting competition to shake up my training – but I never went back.

How long have you been playing/competing in this sport?

My first weightlifting competition was in January 2018.

What are your sporting career goals?

I want to do everything I can to be the best I can be – whatever that may be. I recently achieved direct qualification to Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and we are just awaiting the official team announcement. I would love to represent my country at a Commonwealth Games and an Olympic Games. I also love to support others to embrace their strength and chase after their own goals.

The NQ games are a great event to meet and socialise with other athletes, have you made new friends through sport?

I have made so many new friends through Weightlifting. Sharing the highs and lows of sport with likeminded people helps form really strong relationships. I have met so many amazing athletes, coaches and officials – locally, throughout Australia and even internationally.