My kettlebell journey started in 2023, during a training session with my personal trainer, Hannah. I had just completed a strongman competition and told her how incredible it felt to train with a purpose — to have a goal in mind that I was working towards. That feeling of drive and direction was something I wanted to hold on to, and Hannah, knowing me well, said: “I’ve got just the thing for you.”
That “thing” turned out to be kettlebell sport.
At the time, I knew very little about it. But Hannah, alongside another coach and world champion Johnny Skinner, gradually introduced me to this incredible world. Hannah taught me all the foundational lifts — the clean, jerk, half snatch, military snatch, long cycle, and push press. We didn’t rush. We focused on the basics: learning to clean properly, protecting my wrists and hands, and developing solid technique with lighting weights. I was also introduced to competition-style kettlebells, which are very different from the ones you find in most gyms — same size regardless of weight, and designed for endurance.
As my confidence grew, so did the intensity. Hannah was hosting a small friendly competition, and we decided it would be a great experience for me to enter. I trained for what’s called a half marathon lift — 30 minutes of continuous lifting with no breaks, using a single kettlebell. I chose the half snatch as my lift. The goal? As many reps as possible in 30 minutes — and no putting the bell down. If you do, you’re disqualified.
It was brutal. It was brilliant.
I managed the full 30 minutes and hit over 470 reps with a 12kg bell — an incredible achievement for someone just starting out. That rush of pride and accomplishment hooked me. I realised this was more than a new challenge — it was a sport I could really thrive in.
So we looked ahead. We mapped out what competitions were available, including international ones. I decided to go all in.
Next up was a qualifier competition. To represent Scotland internationally, I had to hit a set number of reps (called a National Rank) in a 30-minute lift. For my category, the requirement was 200 reps with a 14kg bell. I trained hard. And I qualified.
I achieved over 370 reps — surpassing the rank I needed and officially earning my place on Team Scotland.
Words can’t quite capture how it feels to pull on your country’s colours for the first time. In May 2024, I travelled to Denmark to compete in my first international kettlebell competition. There were 25 competitors in my category, all performing the half snatch for 30 minutes. I gave it everything and finished 5th in the world. Standing in the opening ceremony, walking proudly with the Scottish flag alongside my teammates, was unforgettable.
But what truly sets kettlebell sport apart is the community. Yes, it’s competitive. Yes, everyone wants to be their best. But the camaraderie is unmatched. I’ve seen lifters push through ripped, bleeding hands just to finish a set — and everyone, regardless of nationality, cheers them on. You feel seen and supported, not just as an athlete, but as part of something bigger.
One of the most beautiful traditions is the t-shirt swap. After the competition, athletes exchange team shirts. I’ve now got shirts from Spain, Italy, Australia — and they have one from Scotland. It’s such a small, special thing, but it represents the unity and respect within this sport.
And my journey doesn’t stop there.
I’m continuing to train and compete throughout 2025, and my sights are firmly set on the IKMF World Championship in 2026 — hosted right here in Scotland. The world is coming to our doorstep, and I fully intend to be there, representing Team Scotland with everything I’ve got.