Pacemaker powerlifter, 64, scoops Commonwealth gold

A powerlifter has won gold at a Commonwealth championships and smashed a personal best - months after having a pacemaker fitted.

Nicky Solis, 64, from Bicknacre near South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, feared she would have to leave the sport behind after becoming unwell and discovering she had a "very low heart rate".

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust offered the retired teacher a leadless pacemaker - which is significantly smaller than the normal device and is inserted directly into the heart.

In September, the retired teacher took top prize for the women's Masters 3 (ages 60 to 69) 52kg category at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in Canada.

Consultant cardiologist Dr Christine Menexi said: "Nicky would not have been able to continue lifting with a traditional pacemaker, which sits under the skin near the collarbone, as the powerlifting bar would have been resting in the same place."

The leadless pacemaker is the size of a AAA battery, 90% smaller than traditional pacemakers which sit in veins and deliver an electronic pulse when they sense abnormalities.

A number of celebrities live with pacemakers, including Sir David Attenborough, Sir Elton John and The Wanted singer Max George.

The trust has been fitting about 30 leadless pacemakers every year since they were introduced in 2023, compared to 1,000 normal pacemakers.

These particular devices are about 25.9mm to 42mm (1 to 1.65 in) in length and weigh about 2g (0.07oz).

They tend to be offered to patients whose lifestyle does not suit a regular pacemaker, as well as younger patients and those at higher risk of infection.

The size an weight were factored into their decision with Solis.

Solis said: "Powerlifting is really important to me, both mentally and physically.

"It was amazing to win gold, especially after so many years of hard work and training. It meant so much more after thinking I'd never be able to do powerlifting again.

"To come back and get Commonwealth gold was a dream come true and one of the proudest moments of my life."

Coach James Crozier watched the championships live from Chelmsford.

He said Solis was out of the sport for six weeks and there was a 50:50 chance she would not compete.

"But she's always been a fighter, she's a real inspiration to a lot of people," he said.

"Nicky is probably one of the hardest workers in the room. When she's in the gym she puts her all into it."

Crozier added that it was never too late to start pumping iron.

He said he had clients in their 80s who found weightlifting helped with day-to-day tasks, like "carrying their shopping" and "lifting grandkids".

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