Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A 10-year-old girl first found her love of weightlifting when she would practice with a broom handle. Laycee Leigh Pearce, 14, a pupil at Scoutt Medical School in Plymouth, used to watch her nan train in a local gym before the country went into lockdown in 2020. While being stuck at home, Laycee, from Manadon, started practicing Olympic weightlifting techniques with a broom handle at home. She moved onto a barbell and weights when she felt more confident, and began training more and more. She said: "I entered a local competition at Pantheon Gym, Plymouth. I then went onto travelling around the country competing winning my first gold medal at Wildboar gym Lydney in 2023. "I achieved my 1st National competition in February 2024 by coaching myself and winning 2nd place for under 15's English championship at the age of 13." Laycee was coached by Olympic medalist and Commonwealth champion Emily Muskett, and Ollie White, and would train three or four times a week in Newton Abbot. She also trains Vision gym and receives support and nutrition advice from gym owners Jake Miller and Chey Bryce. She also has regular physiotherapy with Tara Marsden and Jade Jonson. Laycee said: "In March 2025 I worked towards dropping to a lower weight category group and competed in under 15's 64kg class winning a gold medal for English champion in Birmingham. I achieved two personal bests with a total of 107kg, which included two Olympic weightlifting moves, Snatch and Clean and Jerk." Laycee is now training towards her 2nd British championship competition which is in September this year. She said: "Myself and my family are really proud at how far I have taken this sport. I have a strong passion for this sport and hopefully one day will be able to introduce Olympic weightlifting to local youths."