Leoni Tatman, Plymouth’s own powerlifting standout, six-time British champion, Commonwealth silver medalist, and international competitor for Team GB, is always chasing the next lift, the next record, the next personal best. She has represented Britain at both the European Championships and the World Championships, winning medals at both, proving her strength is truly global.
We visited her at the Power Building Gym in Plymouth, a hub of heavy plates, chalked bars, and relentless focus. Here, Leoni’s training blends raw strength with precision: heavy lifts, targeted accessory work, and mobility exercises, all carefully planned to maximize power without risking injury. Nutrition, recovery, and mental preparation are just as important as the hours spent under the bar.
Her international experience has shaped every session, pushing her to refine technique and improve steadily. But Leoni also shows that elite sport and family life can coexist, she has even taken her young son on trips to competitions, the furthest being South Africa.
Looking ahead, she told the Plymouth Post, “I’m training now for the English Championships and I hope to break more records.” She also added, “I can lift eight times my bodyweight, that strength is what makes me one of the strongest powerlifters in Plymouth and Great Britain.”
From dawn to dusk, Leoni’s dedication is a reminder that strength isn’t just measured in kilos, it’s patience, perseverance, and passion. Plymouth can be proud of a world-class athlete who continues to push boundaries, inspire the next generation, and show that mental toughness is as important as physical power.
Photographs and Video © Wayne Perry / Plymouth Post