Meet Aquinn Onuoha - From the Gym to GB
Aquinn performing a deadlifting in competition
Meet Aquinn Onuoha
A classic (raw) powerlifting champion and record holder. We caught up with Aquinn following her recent success in making the GB powerlifting team and launching her bid for dominance in 2025. Aquinn has shaken standards and is making waves across the powerlifting world with a remarkable performance and record of 251.5kg, which, in August 2023, stood as the biggest deadlift ever accomplished in GB powerlifting.
We celebrated her recent and rising success and learnt more about Aquinn's journey and next steps.
How did you get into your sport?
I was introduced to powerlifting in 2021, shortly after the Covid restrictions began to ease. Before that, I had attended the gym on and off for years, but nothing was structured or focused. My interest in powerlifting sparked when I participated in my first local competition in July 2021, where I unexpectedly finished in second place.
As I continued to enjoy the competition atmosphere, I decided to take the next step and sign up for the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), especially after hitting a 200kg deadlift early in my journey. The positive feedback I received from others, telling me I was good, made me believe it too and spurred me to push further.
What drew me to powerlifting was the realisation that the sport primarily revolves around the lifts I had already performed in the gym, squats, bench presses, and deadlifts. This made the transition into the sport not only exciting but also felt quite natural and achievable. It's been a rewarding journey, and I've thoroughly enjoyed developing my strengths and competing at a higher level.
Who inspires you?
Honestly, I inspire myself. From the beginning, I promised myself that I would leave a legacy for my children, to show them that anything is possible. This vision of my future family and the desire to set an example for them have been a constant source of motivation. Even when I was starting out and technically a nobody in the sport, this inner pep talk kept me showing up at the gym, pushing through tough days because life isn't perfect.
I'm deeply grateful to my partner and everyone who believes in me. Their support drives me to keep going, especially when things get complicated. But as my faith has grown, I've realised that God is the ultimate source of my inspiration. He's the one who has placed me on this earth, and I strive to give Him the glory through my actions, showing His wondrous works and grace through everything I do.
While I certainly look up to many in the sport and admire the greats, my true inspiration comes from the vision of my future family. They are my driving force and purpose and why I continue to push forward daily.
How does being on the GB Team feel, and what was the journey like?
Being part of Team GB feels incredible, and I can't express enough how grateful I am to God for this fantastic opportunity. A few years into the sport, I remember feeling that I should've been further along or in certain places based on the strength I was already displaying. But with time and growth, I've realised that everything happens exactly when it's meant to. I now understand that when I thought I was ready, I wasn't.
Looking back, I see how much maturing I needed before stepping into this role. But now that the opportunity has come, I know it's God's timing. He has clarified that I'm meant to take this step now. Isaiah 60:22 says, "At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen." I believe this is the perfect moment for me to represent in style.
It's humbling to be here now, knowing that I've grown in ways I never expected. This journey has taught me patience, perseverance, and trust in God's plan. I'm ready to take on this responsibility with all I have, and I'm excited to represent Team GB proudly.
What do you hope to achieve?
I hope to be the best athlete I can be. I recognise that whatever greatness comes from that, it is all due to God's grace. More than that, I hope to inspire someone who relates to me, someone who looks like me, and show them that all things are possible even when it feels impossible or when your dreams seem so far out of reach.
As I move forward, I know the achievements I'll receive throughout this year will reflect the glory of Jesus Christ, and I aim to honour Him in everything I do. My ultimate goal is to live in a way that pleases Him and to use my journey as a testament to His power and grace.
What are your big plans for 2025?
I keep my plans private, believing that actions speak louder than words.
However, I can say that my main focus for 2025 is to be the best version of myself—both as an athlete and as a person. I'm committed to pushing my limits and continuing to grow, and I trust that whatever opportunities and challenges come my way, I'll be ready for them. Whatever the year holds, I aim to stay true to my faith, remain disciplined, and strive for excellence. The rest will fall into place when the time is right.
What is your advice for people who are just getting started?
My advice for anyone just starting would be to enjoy the process and not get too hung up on numbers early on. When I began my journey, I focused on enjoying the atmosphere of the gym and the training itself, which I still do today. The numbers will come with time, so don't rush it.
As you learn to powerlift, make sure you're training to competition standards. It's easy to get caught up in lifting heavier weights, but it's crucial to perfect your technique and know exactly how to perform your lifts to the standards that will count on the platform. That's something that can really catch you out on competition day if you're not prepared.
Recovery is another key element—put as much effort into your nutrition and sleep as you do your training. If you don't recover properly, your progress will slow down. Also, don't neglect your mobility work. It's vital for injury prevention and long-term performance.
And most importantly, stay humble. There will always be someone stronger, faster, or more experienced than you, but staying humble and learning from others is the key to continuous growth. Enjoy the journey, and remember that it's not just about lifting weights—it's about becoming a better version of yourself.
You can follow Aquinn's incredible journey on her social media @girlscityfitnesstv as she documents her journey and training.
Here at Uncovered, we are all about amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups and athletes. By following, sharing, and engaging with our athlete'’ stories, you can support them.
We are incredibly proud of Aquinn's success and believe it serves as a story of inspiration for how perseverance, dedication, and self-belief can change your story and take you to new heights. Her story teaches us to stay prepared, be the best and follow the path that feels right for you at the right time.