At just 19 years of age, Casey Fitzgerald is already a name to watch in Irish para sport. From Mullagh, County Cavan, she has achieved remarkable success in a short time span, becoming a three-time junior world champion in her weight category - after only being in the sport since the age of 16.
When she was 12, she fell in love with powerlifting when watching Britney Arendse compete. That moment planted a seed of ambition within Casey - but she knew she had to wait until she was 16 to compete. The week she turned 16, she went for trials. The rest, as they say, is history.
Currently a part of the Paralympics Ireland Futures Programme, Casey has her sights firmly set on one goal: representing Ireland at the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. With the support of her parents and her coaches, Bryan and Roy, it’s a dream she is pushing every day to achieve.
With her grounded attitude, fierce determination and a trophy cabinet that is beginning to fill up, Casey is proving that para powerlifting is not just a sport to her, but rather a passion and a pathway to both personal and national pride.
Her Sport got the chance to ask Casey a round of quick-fire questions:
What is one word to describe you as an athlete?
Committed.
Who is your biggest sporting inspiration?
Róisín Ní Riain.
Do you have a pre-tournament ritual or superstition?
I bring a particular teddy to all of my competitions.
Go-to song before a performance?
Unstoppable by Sia.
Who is the GOAT in your sport, and why?
Britney Arendse because she’s been to two Paralympic Games. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have begun para powerlifting. She inspired and still inspires me. She advises me and gives me pointers to help me.
What is the biggest misconception of your sport?
That it is the same as able bodied powerlifting.
What keeps you motivated on tough days?
The rewards of going up in weights and reaching my goals.
What do you love the most about your sport?
All of the interesting people I meet, and lifelong friends you make.
What is your ultimate sporting dream?
To take the Junior European World Record and go to the LA2028 Paralympics.
Casey’s rise in para powerlifting is nothing short of extraordinary, not just for her titles, but for the determination and heart behind them.
From a young girl inspired by a national role model to a three-time junior world champion and future Paralympian in the making, she represents the next generation of Irish para sport.
With her sights set on the LA 2028 Paralympics, Casey is lifting more than just weights - she’s lifting expectations, breaking barriers, and inspiring others along the way.
