Isle Of Wight Strength Athlete Selected To Represent Great Britain At World Championships

Isle of Wight strength athlete Frank Schlepp has been officially selected to represent Great Britain at the upcoming IPF World Bench Press Championships.

The call-up follows an impressive silver medal performance at the 2026 SBD British National Championships on 28th February.

Competing in a highly competitive category, Frank delivered a standout display despite battling illness in the days leading up to the event, securing his place among Britain’s top bench press athletes.

Building Momentum Year By Year

The selection marks another significant milestone in Frank’s long-term journey in competitive powerlifting.

After returning to the platform later in life, he has progressed steadily year on year — increasing his totals, refining his training, and continuing to compete consistently at national level.

In 2025, Frank also earned international qualification, but without financial backing, competing overseas proved difficult.

Rather than deter him, the setback strengthened his resolve to keep improving and pushing forward.

This year’s silver medal confirms that progress and cements his place on the Team GB squad.

Representing The Isle Of Wight On The World Stage

Frank will proudly represent both Great Britain and the Isle of Wight when he competes internationally at the end of May, helping to raise the profile of strength sport within the Island community.

Having recently changed careers to better support his long-term athletic ambitions, he is now focused on balancing elite competition with building a sustainable future within the fitness industry.

Community Support And Fundraising

With just weeks to prepare, attention now turns to final training, travel arrangements and securing the funding required to compete on the world stage.

As with many athletes in non-Olympic strength sports, international competition is largely self-funded, with travel, accommodation, federation fees and preparation costs needing to be covered personally.

Frank and his family have launched a fundraising page to support his World Championship journey.

All money raised will go directly towards competition-related expenses.

Those wishing to contribute can do so via the official fundraising link.

Looking ahead to the World Championships, Frank’s focus remains clear: prepare thoroughly, represent proudly, and continue building on the progress he has worked hard to achieve.