Navy Leaders Champion On The Podium Again

Powerlifting success story, Royal Navy submariner, and Navy Leaders champion Wesley McGuinness has tasted success again — this time at the British Powerlifting Bench Press National Championships.

The 35-year-old father-of-two’s day job is his role as a Petty Officer on HMS Talent, a decommissioned nuclear sub docked in Plymouth. Originally, he took up powerlifting on a whim.

But a sport that started out as a hobby has helped him hit the heights. In Sun City, South Africa in October 2024 he became a gold medallist when he triumphed in the 105kg category of the bench press discipline at the International Powerlifting Federation Commonwealth Championship 2024.

Last weekend Wesley was in Cardiff, competing at the British Powerlifting Bench Press National Championships.

And although he’s still in the fairly early stages of a phased training programme targeting the World Classic & Equipped Bench Press Championship in Drammen, Norway, at the end of May, that didn’t stop him tasting success in the Welsh capital, where he scooped a bronze medal.

Read our in-depth feature on Wesley’s life and career — including the tale of his gold-medal triumph: 
Good things come to those who (lift) weight!

Speaking exclusively to Navy Leaders today (Monday) in the wake of his most recent success, he said: “Yesterday’s British Powerlifting Bench Press National Championships was an incredible experience, and I’m so proud to have secured a podium place in my first Nationals of 2025.

“Competing against some of the strongest lifters in the U.K. was an honour, and this achievement means a great deal to me.

“I’d like to take a moment to thank Navy Leaders and their team for their incredible support — it’s been instrumental in getting me here. This is just the start, and I can’t wait to build on this momentum throughout the year.”

He added: “It was fantastic to reconnect with old friends, meet new faces, and soak in the electric atmosphere. Huge thanks to everyone who has supported us along the way — your encouragement means everything!”