Cwmbran’s Kirsty Robathan‑Smith has finished third in Britain’s Strongest Woman.
The 36-year-old travelled to the Bolton Arena last month for the competition and was in “complete shock” to take a podium finish in the under 57kg class.
Her result has earned her invitations to compete at Europe’s Strongest Woman in Harrogate in October 2026, and the World’s Strongest Woman in Florida in November 2026.
Kirsty is now looking for sponsorship from businesses and supporters.
Kirsty told Cwmbran Life: “It was a complete shock and very unexpected. I knew I was against incredibly strong women, so I wanted to just do my own personal bests and do my own thing and for that to result in a podium place was just out of this world.
“I was in tears of joy for like an hour and just needed to hug everyone because I couldn’t believe it.”
Kirsty trains three times a week for 2.5 hours on weekdays, plus a 3–4 hour session every weekend.
“I look after myself, so it is hard work paying off, which is lovely,” she said.
She’s also the current Wales second strongest woman at under 57kg. Read a Cwmbran Life interview from March 2024 with Kirsty here.
Lockdown ‘health kick’
Kirsty began her journey during lockdown, starting a “health kick” that saw her lose 30kg through walking her dog and lifting weights. That led her into Olympic weightlifting and, eventually, strongwoman competitions.
“Pretty good for the girl that was very obese in her younger years and was not at all sporty at school, [to go from]… losing weight in lockdown to get healthier and now I am representing my country,” she said.
Kirsty is appealing for sponsorship and support to help with her trips to the upcoming two competitions. Her Instagram is @robostrongwoman.