Steven Forshaw (born 1988) is a British competitive powerlifter and chartered accountant.[2] He is primarily known for his achievements in the World Powerlifting Congress (WPC), where he secured multiple World, European and British championship titles.[3][4] Forshaw completed a "Triple Crown" of victories in 2025 across the world, European and national levels across multiple disciplines in the sport.
His World Championship titles in 2025 came nine years after suffering a knee injury requiring surgical reconstruction.[4][1]
Professional career and education
Forshaw attended the University of Bath, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Mathematical Sciences in 2010.[5] He is currently reading for a Master of Science (MSc) in Sport Performance Science at Wrexham University, where his research focuses on the practical application of biomechanics and physiology to elite powerlifting performance. Forshaw intends to pursue further education in the future, aspiring to complete his PhD, having also qualified as a Personal Trainer and Strength Coach. [6]
He is a Fellow of the ICAEW, having qualified as a chartered accountant in 2014 and achieving Fellowship in 2024.[2] His corporate career has involved financial control, strategic oversight, and financial analysis.[2] He has spoken publicly regarding the parallels between the analytical discipline required in corporate finance and the structured, data-driven nature of high-performance powerlifting training.[2][3]
Forshaw's corporate career has spanned financial services and logistics industries, most recently operating as a financial consultant. [5]
Injury and recovery
In 2016, Forshaw suffered a significant knee injury, necessitating a full surgical reconstruction including the meniscus, Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).[5] He utilised his mathematical background to structure his rehabilitation as a 'long-term strategic plan', initially returning to weight training to regain basic mobility.[5] This period of recovery eventually led to a transition into competitive powerlifting, with Forshaw noting that his post-rehabilitation strength levels ultimately exceeded his pre-injury capacity.[5]
Powerlifting career
Forshaw began competing in powerlifting in 2022 in the 93 kg weight class, following a period of extensive rehabilitation from a previous career-threatening injury.[4] He has since competed nationally and internationally, under the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF), Amateur British Powerlifting Union (ABPU) and Amateur World Powerlifting Congress (AWPC) as a drug-tested (AKA natural) athlete, in the 93 kg, 100 kg and 110 kg weight classes.[1]
He achieved recognition for securing the "Triple Crown" (British, European and World Championship Gold Medals) in 2025.[3][4] During 2025, he set a new British Record for the multi-ply suited deadlift at 250 kg at an ABPU sanctioned meet.[1]
Competitive record
Winning percentage: 55.6%
Podium percentage: 88.9%
Forshaw initially competed as a 93 kg athlete within the IPF, before moving up to the 100 kg and 110 kg weight classes within the ABPU, WRPF and AWPC. To date, he has secured titles and podium finishes under all four of these federations.
Place
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
Total
All competitions
10
5
1
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
18
Personal records
All lifts are in competition and verified by the relevant federations.[1]
Lift
Weight (kg)
Category
Squat
220.0
Wraps
Bench press
145.0
Raw
Deadlift
272.5
Raw
Total
617.5
Raw+Wraps
Personal life
Outside of competitive powerlifting, Forshaw’s early athletic interests included football, boxing and distance running; he is a multiple-time finisher of the Bath Half Marathon.[5]
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