Since launching last year, MM Athletes has helped several sportspeople to achieve their potential and the business is excited to continue this initiative in 2023.
This month, MM Search is proud to announce that Inverclyde-based weightlifter, Denise Trayling, will be joining the diverse array of sportspeople involved in the MM Athletes programme. Denise first began lifting weights in 2016 and quickly found a passion for the sport. Today she competes at an international level and has eight gold medals and two silvers under her belt.
“I’ve always kept myself fit and I’m a yoga and Pilates teacher,” explains Denise. “However, I didn’t start Olympic weightlifting until I was 42. I was originally introduced to the sport when veteran weightlifter, George Byng, suggested I give it a try.
“Initially I was only interested in learning the Olympic lifts, but I soon started enjoying beating my own records and securing new personal bests. When it was suggested that I tried a competition, I thought, ‘why not?’”
Despite only beginning her weightlifting journey a few years ago, Denise has already won gold at the British Masters in 2019 and at the Scottish Masters in 2022. “The nerves always start to kick in before a competition and I question why I’m doing it,” says Denise. “The adrenalin on the day is brilliant though and it’s such a friendly atmosphere. You can learn a lot from watching other talented lifters and if you lift well on the day, you leave on Cloud 9!
“I would tell any woman interested in giving weightlifting a shot to do it! It’s so empowering and it’s great for your metabolism and bone density. Even if you don’t want to compete, it’s a great sport to be involved in.
“My next competition is the European Masters Championships 2023,” says Denise. “It’s being held in Ireland in May and the sponsorship from MM Search will go towards that competition. With entry fees, travel, accommodation and physiotherapy, you do invest a lot in the sport and so I really appreciate the support of MM Search, it’s amazing.”
“At MM Search we support people who give their chosen sport their absolute all and Denise is a shining example of that,” says MM Search Founding Managing Partner, Derek MacFeate. “To have gone from beginner to gold medal winner in just a few short years is testament to Denise’s dedication and determination and we’re very pleased to be able to support her in her next competition.
“Denise serves as a reminder of the importance of pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones and trying something new. Starting a new sport can be a daunting prospect but, as Denise shows, it can come with a huge number of benefits including health improvements and finding challenge that invigorates both the mind and body. The whole MM Search team is right behind Denise as she prepares for the European Masters Championships and we wish her the very best of luck!”
