Veteran Redefines Strength Through Sport and Education

We are proud to support Caroline Buckle, a former soldier and rising star in powerlifting, as she demonstrates that true strength is about resilience, determination, and giving back to others.

Caroline served in the Adjutant General Corps, with deployments to Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, before being discharged in 2014 due to a leg injury and challenges with anxiety and depression.

“Education has been key in helping me make a real impact, I want to provide the tools, training, and resources needed to ensure the safety and success of all athletes.”

Rather than letting these challenges define her, she found strength through sport, becoming a competitive powerlifter; this year, she placed an impressive 4th in the M1 84+ bench category at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in Sun City, South Africa.

Caroline, who also volunteers with Help for Heroes as an indoor rowing and powerlifting coach, said: “Sport has given me a chance to redefine who I am and how I view myself; it helped me regain confidence, find purpose, and connect with others in ways I never imagined and now I want to use my experiences to help others.”

Caroline is also deeply involved in safeguarding within the powerlifting community. As the National Safeguarding Officer for the British Powerlifting Federation, she is currently working to develop training programs to ensure the sport is safe and inclusive for everyone. To further her qualifications, she is studying for a Level 2 Safeguarding and Prevent certificate at the College.

She expressed her excitement about returning to education at 45, saying: “Education has been key in helping me make a real impact, I want to provide the tools, training, and resources needed to ensure the safety and success of all athletes.

“Moving forward, I plan to continue my studies at the College and complete short courses in Adverse Childhood Experiences, Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Counselling Skills to better support my volunteering roles and powerlifting moving forward.”

Lisa Bartrop, Course Leader for Childcare and Health Adults at the College, praised Caroline’s inspiring progress: “Caroline’s journey is a powerful testament to how commitment to personal growth and education can lead to meaningful change – we are immensely proud to support her as she continues to make a real impact, both in her sport and in the lives of those around her.”

If you’re feeling inspired by Caroline, and looking to study a short childcare course starting this month, visit our Childcare page for the Short courses available. Alternatively, visit our Adult Open Day on Saturday 23 November 2024, 4.00pm – 7.00pm, at The Open Kitchen.