Royal Navy Submariner Wesley McGuinness is a Royal Navy Athlete in Powerlifting, a Charity Ambassador and two times IPF Commonwealth Medalist.
"Unfortunately, both my parents passed away when I was young.
I grew up as an only child. After my parents separated, it was mainly my mother who raised me.
Unfortunately, my father wasn't present for most of my childhood and his absence left an emptiness that affected me in ways I didn't fully understand at the time. Then, in 2001, my world was completely shattered.
I was only 11 years old when my mother passed away. She was everything to me - my anchor, my constant source of love and encouragement. Losing her felt like losing a part of myself - and in that moment, my childhood seemed to vanish. I was left not only with the immense grief of her loss but also the challenge of moving in with a father I barely knew.
As the years passed, I started to adjust and get to know my father. Slowly, we began to form a relationship and I felt like I was getting a sense of family back. But then, just as we were starting to really connect, tragedy struck again. In 2009, when I was 19, my father died in a sudden accident. I had just joined the Royal Navy, still in my first year of training to become a submariner and once again, everything I thought I had was taken from me. Losing both of my parents, especially at such critical moments in my life, left me feeling completely unmoored. I was standing on the brink of my future, but I was also drowning in grief, trying to make sense of a world that kept pulling the ground out from under me.
My nana played such an important role in my life, especially after losing my parents. She took on the responsibilities of caring for her disabled son and stepped up to raise me.
I know it must have been a huge challenge for her, but her love and support helped me begin to heal and find myself again. Having her around brought a sense of stability and comfort that I desperately needed, filling the void that had been left behind.
I never really thought about joining the Royal Navy when I was a kid. It wasn't something that ever crossed my mind. But that changed when I started talking to my nana's next-door neighbour, Mr. Cubby. He was a Royal Navy veteran, and one day he said to me, "Wesley, the Royal Navy would be perfect for you." He explained all the opportunities and experiences it had to offer, and slowly, I started to warm up to the idea.
Mr. Cubby didn't just stop at giving advice, though. He took the time to help me prepare for the entrance exams. He really played an invaluable role in shaping my naval career, and for that, I'll always be truly grateful.
When my dad passed away in 2009, I was in the middle of training to become a Royal Navy Submariner. During that tough time, my instructor and divisional officer, CPO MEM Paul "Jakey" Foran, was incredibly supportive. Fast forward 15 years, and our relationship has grown into something special; he's become like a surrogate dad to me.
My main reason for joining the Royal Navy was for job security. I originally joined up for general service, however during my basic training my divisional officer persuaded me to transfer over to submarines.
At 19, I walked through the gates of HMS RALEIGH in 2008, uncertain about what lay ahead. After completing my initial and phase two training, I noticed an advertisement for the “Royal Navy Powerlifting Championships” at HMS TEMERAIRE. Competing in my first ever event, I won 1st place in my weight category and was named the best overall lifter of the day.
This small victory had a profound impact on me. It boosted my confidence, fuelled my motivation, and ignited a hunger to get stronger. On the train ride home, I immediately began researching periodisation, nutrition and strength training programs - everything that would support my future growth.
Powerlifting quickly became my purpose. To me, purpose is about using your skills to contribute to something greater, in a way that matters to you. Identifying what you care about is the first step. We all have strengths and abilities we’ve developed over time, but sometimes we’re unsure how to apply them. Finding purpose goes beyond self-reflection; it involves trying new things and seeing how they allow you to make a meaningful difference. Volunteering with a community organisation that aligns with your interests can provide valuable experience while making a positive impact.
Set clear goals - Athletes with a sense of purpose set clear goals defined by what matters to them.
But don’t just focus on the big picture. Short-term goals are an excellent way to increase motivation, especially in powerlifting, as it takes a long time to gain strength naturally, because we like to feel like we’re achieving something. They give us an ongoing sense of purpose and let us know that our long-term goals are on track, which is vital in this sport.
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Muster up a good support network - Searching for a sense of purpose can be quite a stressful and daunting experience. It’s useful as an athlete to be supported by finding reasons for doing what you do, and your coach, mentor, close friends, and family members can help guide you in these times.
Engage in self-reflection - Reflect on your journey so far and where you want to go next. This will help create a sense of purpose because it enables you to realise the process you’re going through and what you want to strive towards. Question what you are willing to put effort into, as this will help inform your sense of purpose and decide what it is you will aim for, honesty is the best policy.
Question your own interests - Try to discover what it is that you are interested in and what exactly you want to achieve. Is there a significant competition that you’ve watched before that you’d love to compete in yourself? Training to compete in this could become your new sense of purpose as an athlete.
Watch other athletes and take inspiration from what they can do to form your goals and create your sense of purpose.
Capitalising on every opportunity
The past 13 years in the sport have been incredibly demanding, especially given that I was deployed for most of 2012-2020. Maintaining strength while onboard HM Submarines presented its own unique challenges. With limited space, creativity became essential.
In 2018, I was assigned to HMS TRENCHANT’s Ships Company and deployed on ICEX18 operations, where we surfaced through the ice at the northernmost point a British submarine can reach in the Arctic. Recognising this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I had the barbell and weights brought up from the submarine onto the ice. Despite our phones only lasting a few moments in these extreme conditions before shutting down, a fellow shipmate captured footage of me squatting and deadlifting in -37-degree weather at the highest point a Royal Navy submarine has ever surfaced at the North Pole. This video quickly gained attention on social media.
My favourite memory so far is competing at the IPF Arnold Schwarzenegger Sports Festival in Barcelona in 2019, where the Terminator himself sat in the front row watching us compete. It’s a memory I will cherish forever. I firmly believe that you are only as good as the support around you.
In 2020, despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 and the closure of gym facilities, my experience in strength and conditioning, coupled with some creativity, kept me going. I made use of weighted rucksacks, old tires, and pull-ups on old signposts until gyms reopened. I seized every opportunity to continue training, build a strong foundation, and position myself for success in 2021.
Since the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions and the resumption of sporting events, I’ve competed in two British National Championships, earning a silver medal in both 2021 and 2022. This led to my selection to represent Team GB at the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Bench Press Championships 2021 in Vilnius, Lithuania, and the following year’s World Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan. My performance in Almaty opened new doors, allowing me to represent Team GB again in August at the IPF European Championships in Budapest, Hungary. I ended the year with an invitation to my third major international competition, the IPF Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships 2022. While in Auckland, New Zealand, I had the honour of standing on the podium twice, earning a silver and a bronze medal.
A setback, for a comeback.
In 2022, I fully detached my right distal bicep while in New Zealand. Over the past 18 months, I have dedicated myself to my rehabilitation and recovery, becoming a living example to others in the service. I demonstrated the essential tools needed to overcome adversity, hardship and trauma. In July, I returned to the platform, securing my first gold medal and national title, becoming the English National Bench Press Champion of 2023. As a result, I was invited to re-join Team GB at the IPF European Championship in France later that year. I also had the honour of representing the Royal Navy at the Inter-Services Powerlifting Championships in the Bench Press discipline. In September, I not only won the title of best overall lifter but also broke the Inter-Services and Royal Navy Bench Press records with each attempt, culminating in an impressive 190kg/419lbs Bench Press, just nine months post-surgery.
I continue to strive to promote Royal Navy sports and work tirelessly to strengthen the relationship between RN Powerlifting and British Powerlifting. With the full confidence of the Chair and CEO of British Powerlifting, I organized the first-ever UKAF Development competition at the Wyvern Centre at HMS Drake. This event received high praise from the Naval Base Commander of HMNB Devonport, the Chair of the IPF Commonwealth, and the Head Coach of British Powerlifting for its high standards, attention to detail and my commitment to strengthening relationships across all three services, raising the profile of the sport and encouraging members of the UK Armed Forces to participate.
As a true sporting ambassador for the Royal Navy, I was invited by the CEO of British Powerlifting to represent the UK Armed Forces at the first-ever combined British Powerlifting and World Para Powerlifting Championships, where I secured first place in the 105kg category.
Giving back
I have become the first RN qualified platform official referee and a coach for British Powerlifting. I actively encourage other lifters to follow my lead, aiming to strengthen the sport. Since taking up powerlifting in 2011, I’ve been a strong advocate for giving back to the community. I’ve raised significant funds for organizations like RNRMC, We Remember Submariners and The Submarine Family. As an official ambassador for The Chestnut Appeal, I continue to work diligently to raise awareness about the importance of having the moral courage to speak out about concerns related to prostate, penile and testicular cancer.
These opportunities have allowed me to grow the sport and influence everyone I interact with, inspiring them to set goals and aspire to be better, both professionally and personally. I’m always on hand to coach and mentor trainees at self-organized RN Grassroots and Navyfit Festivals across the country.
This year, I recently became a member of the Activkids UK team, attending local primary schools across the Southwest, where I promote physical fitness, well-being and mental health. I demonstrate to young children the basic tools they need to achieve, not only in powerlifting but in all sports, aiming to give them the confidence and encouragement to pursue their goals and aspirations for the future.
I’ve presented to various audiences, such as HMS Collingwood's "OP Inspire," where I shared my sporting journey with 340 Ph2 trainees, the largest concentration of junior ratings. Known for my passion for inspiring, encouraging, and motivating others, I was invited to HMS Raleigh earlier this year to share my perspective and experiences with Ph1 Neptune Rehab Division. Here, I continue to spread a clear message to the new generation of sailors about how dealing gracefully with an injury can help you become more focused, flexible, and resilient and how to use psychological strategies to aid their recovery.
During my downtime away from the lifting platform at national and international events, I continue to support the IPF Special Olympics, ensuring that all our Team GB athletes can engage and participate in physical activity, regardless of their background, ability, or needs. I am a true advocate of the belief that this sport provides a sense of belonging, helps enhance and transform lives, and makes participants like Mr. Daniel McCauley feel safe, welcome, and valued. I believe that sport offers a platform for holistic development and fosters a sense of belonging for all. Powerlifting has a strong purpose and empowers us all, helping to develop a range of skills beyond the platform. Determination, resilience, teamwork, and respect are just a few core values that sport and the mentality it promotes.
Last year, I was appointed the Cornwall Representative for the Southwest Powerlifting Association (SWPLA) and I regularly support local powerlifting competitions, guide new lifters, and add value and experience to AGMs.
I continue to fly the flag high, and I am proud to represent the Silent Service at the highest level of powerlifting in the world.
My favourite memory onboard a submarine is cooking for a ship's company of 140 while wearing an emergency breathing system (EBS) mask for 13 hours. Looking back, it was incredibly challenging, but like all submariners, we laugh in the face of adversity and get the job done to the best of our ability.
I am now in preparation for my third IPF Commonwealth Championships in Sun City, South Africa this October and I am proud to represent my country and the Silent Service at the highest level of powerlifting in the world.
My mother never pushed me to be the best at anything but always encouraged me to put everything I had into whatever I was doing. That approach allowed me to focus solely on my performance and effort in everything I set my mind to, without the pressure of competing with others."
