Powerlifting Prodigy - Minnie Dihmis’ Inspirational Rise to Commonwealth Glory

At just 19 years old, Minnie Dihmis is proving that passion and perseverance can lead to extraordinary achievements.

A dedicated student and talented athlete, Minnie has gone from lifting her first barbell to earning a coveted bronze medal at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Games – all while breaking Northern Ireland powerlifting records along the way.

So, who is the powerhouse behind this incredible story of strength and determination?

"I’m 19 years old and currently in upper sixth grade at Dalriada Grammar School, studying chemistry, biology, and Religious Education,” Minnie shared.

“Outside of school, I’m a member of Royal Portrush Golf Club, where I play golf. I also enjoy playing piano – I completed my competitive grades with distinction at Grade 7 when I was just 14."

But despite this impressive list of hobbies and accomplishments, it wasn’t until 2021 that Minnie discovered her true passion - powerlifting.

"I’ve always been active," she said. "I grew up playing tennis and golf and I rowed for Bann Rowing Club. In 2021, I joined a gym because I wanted to build strength."

That decision marked the start of something life-changing. By the summer of 2022, Minnie’s gym routine evolved into a fascination with the sport of powerlifting.

“I wanted to get stronger and lift heavy weights. That’s what drew me to powerlifting," she recalled. From there, her journey accelerated.

For those less familiar with the sport, Minnie broke it down for the uninitiated among us.

 
"Powerlifting revolves around three key lifts -  the squat, bench press, and deadlift. In competitions, your combined total from these three determines your score. It’s also divided into weight classes, so competitors are matched within their category."

The sport is as mentally demanding as it is physically.
 

"What I love most about powerlifting is seeing results and the confidence that comes with it," Minnie explained. "The physical challenges also build mental resilience, which has been invaluable."

It wasn’t long before her dedication turned into success. Competing in local Northern Ireland Powerlifting Federation (NIPF) events, Minnie set new records and claimed gold at every competition.

Her rapid progress soon captured the attention of selectors, earning her a spot on the Northern Ireland team for the 2024 Commonwealth Powerlifting Games in South Africa.

"I found out I had been selected while training at the gym and I was beyond happy. I couldn’t believe that my dreams were coming true," she said.

However, the opportunity came with its own set of challenges. Funding the trip to South Africa was a hurdle Minnie and her family had to overcome. True to her determined nature, Minnie took matters into her own hands.

"At the beginning of the summer, I set up a GoFundMe page to help raise the money I needed," Minnie explained. "Half of the funding came from friends and family, and the other half came from local companies who were kind enough to sponsor me."

The local community rallied behind her, making her Commonwealth dreams possible.

"The support from everyone has been amazing - even people who knew nothing about powerlifting have cheered me on. It made me want to represent them as well as myself."

Juggling school and elite-level powerlifting requires extraordinary discipline, something Minnie has mastered.

"It’s all about sticking to a disciplined schedule," she said. "I train three to four times a week, which gives me time to manage my schoolwork."

When the big moment came in South Africa, Minnie channelled all her preparation into staying focused.
 

"The stage wasn’t any different from other competitions I’d entered, which helped me stay calm and focused," she shared.

That composure paid off when her deadlift performance saw her return home to Coleraine with a medal.
 

"It was a tight race, but my deadlift secured the medal. I felt relief and encouragement because I’d worked so hard for it," Minnie added.

Looking ahead, Minnie’s journey is far from over. She has plans to combine her academic and athletic pursuits.
 

"I hope to study Pharmacy at university. I’d also love to join the university’s powerlifting team and represent them in competitions," she said.

And her advice for other young women who might be considering the world of powerlifting? Minnie speaks with the conviction of someone who knows the rewards of hard work.
 

"Powerlifting is not something you ‘try out’ for a bit - it requires real commitment. But if you’re confident it’s what you want, don’t let anyone or anything stop you.

"The rewards you gain from pushing yourself are indescribable, and they’re yours forever – no one can take that away from you."