A Loughborough College Blended Degree learner has set his sights on a world record after being crowned one of the strongest people in the world.
Despite studying for a BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching degree and working full time, Jake Henderson is showing no signs of slowing down his goals as he plans to take on the Squat World Record this year in the International Powerlifting League.
Having always dreamed of being a powerlifter, we spoke to Jake about his passion for the sport, his bid to prove people wrong, and his experience of balancing his ambitious goals with studying a degree and working full time.
Jake said: “It was my childhood dream to officially be crowned one of the strongest people in the world, and it’s filled me with immense pride to achieve this at the same time as working towards my degree and having a full-time job. It’s required a lot of determination, balance, and hard work.
“I am so grateful for all of the support provided by Loughborough College throughout my time here and the allowances they make available for athletes has been great as it’s allowed me to manage my studies, employment and Powerlifting commitments.”
Jake’s incredible achievements so far include:
- Placing 2nd in the International Powerlifting League (IPL) European Championships in his first year of training
- Coming 1st in the IPL under 100kg men’s open category the following year
- Representing Team GB at the IPL World Championships in Berlin – placing 2nd
- Claiming the IPL records in squat, bench press, deadlift, and overall total for the under 100kg men's open category
- Winning the 2023 IPL Drug tested world champion for the under 100kg men's open category.
As if these titles weren’t impressive enough, he’s set his sights on breaking the Squat World Record this year in the International Powerlifting League (under 100kg men’s category), which will take place in Athens this November.
He added: “At the start of my Powerlifting journey, I was told by many people that I was chasing a pipe dream and that I would never reach the success that I have reached. This obviously motivated me to prove them wrong. I now look forward to defending my European and World Champion titles later this year and taking on the World Record. Bring it on.”
Emma Kingzett, Curriculum Manager at Loughborough College, added: “Jake’s achievements are testament to his hard work and determination, and he is a great example of what Blended Learning can enable students to achieve. We are proud to continue to support him through his final year as he completes his Top Up degree in Sports Coaching.”
Find out more about Higher Education Blended Learning programmes at Loughborough College.