The Submarine Family are delighted to be sponsoring RN Submariner Powerlifting Athlete PO Wes McGuinness.

Wes began his Powerlifting journey at his early stages of his naval career. Over the last decade he has been selected to represent his country at the two IPF Commonwealth Championship’s 2017 & 2022, Arnold Classic Sports Festival 2019, two IPF World Championships 21 & 22 and European Bench Press Championships 2022.

Now in his 12^th year of proudly representing the Royal Navy as a Powerlifting athlete I continue to represent the RN, Team GB, and Team England at the highest level of drug tested powerlifting in the world.  Previously achieving gold medal at the England national Bench Press Championships and a silver and bronze medal at the IPF Commonwealth Championships last year in two of the most competitive weight categories in the sport

His enthusiasm, commitment, discipline, and dedication to Powerlifting remains the same since he took up the sport in 2011.

In December last year, Wes represented England and the RN at the International Powerlifting Federation Commonwealth Powerlifting and Bench Press Championships held in Auckland, New Zealand. Securing his first bronze medal in the Bench press championships with a successful lift of 190kg/419lbs, increasing his RN Bench press record even further. Highly motivated to new challenges, he stepped up a weight category in the full power event, this enabled Team England to be represented at all levels, resulting in a place on the podium again, this time receiving a silver medal. An outstanding athlete who puts the RN first and continues to project outstanding core values.

Unfortunately, suffering a major injury whilst in New Zealand, fully detaching his right distal bicep. Over the last 7 months, He has displayed the upmost respect to his rehabilitation and recovery and continue to be a real-life example to the service. Demonstrating the vital tools needed to overcome adversity, hardships, and trauma. In July, He secured his first gold medal and national title of 2023, and became the English National Bench Press Champion. Subsequently receiving an invitation to re-join Team GB on the international stage at the IPF European Championship in France. 

A professional and highly experienced leader, he displays the highest standards of discipline to his sport and military bearing to the Naval Service every single moment he represents Team GB, he provides an abundance of excellent support to the whole team. 

In a short pace of time, he has sought out opportunities to raise the profile for Powerlifting and RN Sport. Through his own initiative he has presented to various audiences, such as HMS Collingwood’s “OP Inspire”, where McGuinness projected his life/sports story to 340 PH2 trainees, the largest concentration of junior ratings. Spreading a clear message to the new generation of sailors of the opportunities that the RN can offer you during your naval career. 

These opportunities have given him the chance to grow his sport and influence all those he presents, giving them the incentive to set goals and aspire to be better, both professionally and personally. He easily relates to all audiences and is always on hand to coach and mentor with the support trainees at self-organised grass roots development event across the country, often in his own time.

To strengthen his sport and support others, he has gained qualifications as a platform official and coach for British Powerlifting. Understanding the importance of giving back, he has been a huge advocate since his journey started. Wes continues to be proactive in his charity support, raising a significant sum for RNRMC and We Remember Submariners. An official ambassador for the Chestnut appeal, Wes continues to work tirelessly to raise awareness of the importance of speaking about any concerns of prostate, penile and testicular cancer.  

Wes is incredibly proud to be supported by The Submarine Family for 2024 and looks forward to proudly represent the Silent Service at every opportunity this year and beyond.