Natalie aiming to be a medal wizard in Oz

Powerlifter Natalie Blake will compete on the international stage for one final time after earning selection for the Commonwealth Games.

The Newark 35-year-old, who will form part of an 18-strong England squad, will retire after the Games on Australia’s Gold Coast in April.

She will be looking to emulate her success at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, when she returned with a silver medal.

Blake, who trains at the PHP Gym, Farndon, said she wanted to go out on a high by winning a second Commonwealth medal in her final major competition.

“I’m really pleased and happy to have been selected. I can’t wait to return to Australia,” she said.

“It is where my international career first started so I am looking forward to going back and enjoying the occasion again.

“Now I will get my head down and for a final time I will try to get a personal best and win a medal, just like I did at the last Commonwealth Games.”

Memorable time

Blake made her debut in major international competition at the Paralympics in Sydney in 2000, when she was 17.

That was the first time female powerlifting had been included in the Paralympic programme, and Blake has since been involved in four separate Paralympics.

“I remember I really enjoyed Australia the first time I was there,” she said. “The competition was strong and the opening ceremony was not like anything I had experienced before.

“I was so nervous I wanted to go back to the athletes village, but it was a memorable time.”

Blake said she had been thinking about retiring in recent months, but was looking for a fitting opportunity to call time on her career.

“Retirement is something I have thought about for a while,” she said. “I am getting a little older now and I wanted to find the right moment to take part (in international competition) once again.

“It will be a good way to end my career and I am so pleased to have been selected to give me this one final opportunity.”

Among those joining Blake in the squad are fellow para-powerlifting medallists from Rio 2016, Ali Jawad and Zoe Newson.

Blake has returned to training following a rest after appearing at the World Para Championships in Mexico, and will be joining the national performance squad at Loughborough ahead of the competition.

British Weight Lifting chief executive Ashley Metcalfe said: “Our squad is a real blend of new and experienced lifters, highlighting the true breadth and depth of talent currently available in England.

“We are most grateful to both Team England and Sport England for their continued support in providing a great opportunity for all our squad to be well prepared and in great shape for the Games.

“It is hugely exciting and a great opportunity for all the squad to showcase their talents, all ahead of a home Commonwealth Games in 2022.”