UniSQ graduate raises the bar

Talk about a pocket rocket.

University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) alumnus Emma Page might stand less than 1.5m tall, but she was a powerhouse at the recent World Powerlifting Championships in Sydney.

The Tenterfield mother-of-three took out a gold medal in her age category of 40–45-year-olds, and a bronze medal for her weight division.

In just her second competition, Mrs Page squatted 115kg, bench pressed 65kg and deadlifted 110kg.

Her achievement was even more remarkable, considering she fractured her ring finger six weeks before the championship. This forced her to use a reverse grip during training and the competition, a challenge she overcame with sheer determination and resilience.

“I went into world championships just for experience, and I fully expected to come last,” Mrs Page said.

“I don’t see myself as a ‘world champion’ as there were many other women who lift more that couldn’t make it to Australia.

“As a very goal-driven and determined person, my intrinsic goals drive me rather than external recognition.

“To see the joy and pride on my kids' faces when they saw the size of the medals means the world to me.”

Now that she has tasted success, Mrs Page said she’s hungry for more.

“My next goal is 300kg total, which I would like to achieve at the Brisbane North Barbell competition,” she said.

Mrs Page graduated from UniSQ with a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise (Honours) (Clinical Exercise Physiology) in 2022.

She now runs her own business, EP Health Centre, at a purpose-built studio in Tenterfield.

“I go to work every day loving what I do,” she said.

“There is no greater feeling than helping someone improve their health, mobility and quality of life.”

Mrs Page credits her university experience with providing her with the training and confidence to pursue her passion.

“As a mum of three working full time, UniSQ gave me the flexibility to study,” Mrs Page said.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my trips to the Ipswich campus for residential schools. The staff and fellow students were supportive and accommodating.

“I would not be where I am today without UniSQ.”

Are you passionate about the sport, exercise, health, or fitness industry? Learn more about UniSQ’s Sport and Exercise Science degrees.