A WEIGHTLIFTER is rewriting the rule book on age and ambition after returning to the sport after two knee replacement operations, writes Shauna Begley.
Susan Vallance, 61, is also training to become a qualified personal trainer, following the surgeries at Droitwich Spa Hospital.
Her journey to the weights began almost by accident when Susan, who said she had always enjoyed squats, had her potential spotted by her personal trainer Paul Judson from Anytime Fitness.
He suggested she try powerlifting and a competitive routine of three sessions a week followed.
But her aspirations hit a serious roadblock when severe arthritis caused her knees to start giving way.
Following her first knee replacement, a further disappointment struck when the competition she was preparing for was cancelled.
She said: “I was so disappointed after all the hard work I’d done.
“I was determined to carry on and training became a real motivator for me.”
Referred by her GP, she met Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon Yuvraj Agrawal at Droitwich Spa Hospital, part of the Circle Health Group.
Facing a second surgery, Susan feared she would never lift weights again but, on meeting Mr Agrawal, she was reassured and he said, together, they would make sure she could.
“He was true to his word and I did.”
‘Staff were amazing’
Susan added the support from hospital staff was also crucial.
“The physios and nurses were brilliant, Sister Veronica was especially wonderful.
“Her humour kept my spirits up even on tough days.”
The road to recovery had its setbacks, including a post-operative virus and bouts of bursitis delaying her progress.
But now, after seven months, Susan is back in the gym and, guided by Paul, doing what she loves.
Susan said: “I’m now studying to become a qualified personal trainer.
“I want to help others regain their strength, whatever their age.”
And for those having knee replacement surgery she advises them to stick to the physiotherapy.
“Push through the pain – your future mobility depends on it.”
