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Pacemaker Powers Powerlifter to Gold
5 Nov
Summary
- Nicky Solis won gold at Commonwealth Championships after pacemaker implant.
- A leadless pacemaker was chosen to accommodate her powerlifting needs.
- Solis achieved a personal best, fulfilling a dream after recovery.
Nicky Solis, a 64-year-old powerlifter from Essex, has triumphed at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in Canada, securing a gold medal and a new personal best. This remarkable achievement follows a recent health scare that led to the implantation of a leadless pacemaker.
Solis had been experiencing a very low heart rate, prompting doctors to consider her options. A traditional pacemaker was deemed unsuitable for powerlifting due to its placement under the skin, where the barbell would rest. Consequently, she received a significantly smaller, leadless pacemaker, the size of a AAA battery, inserted directly into her heart.
Her victory in the women's Masters 3 (ages 60 to 69) 52kg category represents a dream come true for Solis, who feared her powerlifting career might be over. Her coach highlighted her fighting spirit and dedication, emphasizing that it is never too late to engage in strength training.
