Axel Isberg, 19 years old, a student at the Elite Sports University, Karlstad University, recently became the European champion in equipped powerlifting at the Junior European Championships in Luxembourg. This marks the third time he has achieved this feat, having also won gold medals at the European Championships in 2022 and 2021.
In total, he lifted nearly a ton and set junior records in three events. Congratulations!
"Thank you, it was fun; it’s just as enjoyable every time. I lifted 390 kg in squat, 220 kg in bench press, and 325 kg in deadlift. In equipped powerlifting, we use a squat suit that supports the body and tightly wraps the knees for additional support. It provides more assistance than classic powerlifting, where I lift 330 kg in squat."
You are a student at the Programme of engineering in computer science while training and competing on elite sports level. How do you find that balance?
"Well, I think it works very well to combine studies with my elite commitment; I manage both, although perhaps sometimes I should study a bit more."
What will be the next championship?
"The selection isn’t final yet, but I’m hoping for the junior World Championships."
Congratulations once again, and best of luck in the upcoming championships!
Second and third place went to the Czeck Republic and Poland.
