Joshua Ngoka: British Junior Champion and Rising World Powerlifting Star

Fresh off his powerhouse win at the 2025 British Junior Nationals, Essex student-athlete Joshua Ngoka is setting the bar even higher in the world of powerlifting. After an incredible year of hard work, including dropping 32kg to move weight classes and hitting a personal record 380kg deadlift, Joshua clinched GOLD and set new British records, proving he’s a major contender heading into the Junior World Championships later this year in Costa Rica.

Introducing... Joshua Ngoka

Your powerlifting journey has been incredible so far. What inspired you to get into the sport, and how did you develop such a passion for it?

I got inspired to get into powerlifting when I first saw my friend doing it. I thought to myself, "I'm as strong as he is, and he's managed to compete on the international stage, so why not give it a try and see how far I can go as well?" I've always had a passion for the gym, and I feel like powerlifting has given me an outlet to express that in a meaningful way that not only other people can look up to, but in a way, I can feel proud and excited of myself. It’s a sport where I can continuously push my limits, set new goals, and see real progress. That’s what keeps me going.

Balancing elite-level powerlifting with your studies must be challenging. How has the university’s performance sport programme helped you manage both your training and academic commitments?

Balancing powerlifting and studying can be hard, but it’s all about give and take. I structure my days so I know exactly what to do, when to do it, and when it needs to be done by. That way, one responsibility doesn’t start leaking into another. Of course, it also means sacrificing certain social events, but that’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make because I’m passionate about this sport. The University of Essex’s performance sport programme has helped me a lot by providing support, and having a powerlifting gym (Energyze Gym) nearby, means I don’t need to travel far to train on competition standard equipment.

You’ve already achieved so much, including setting records and competing on the international stage. What has been your proudest moment in powerlifting so far?

One of my proudest moments so far in powerlifting has to be winning gold at the 2023 World Sub-Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships. Setting world records with a 320kg deadlift and an 800kg total in the 120+kg category was an unreal experience. It was the moment I truly realized my potential in the sport and saw all my hard work pay off on an international stage. That feeling of accomplishment was incredible, and drives me to keep pushing forward.

What are your next big goals in the sport, and how do you see yourself progressing toward the Junior World Championships?

I have spent around the past year and a half dropping a weight class and lost 32kgs, dropping from 152kg to 120kg and going from the 120+ weight class to -120 weight class to compete at the Junior Nationals on 28th March 2025. Despite this drop in body weight, I have only continued to get stronger, excited to bring this increased strength into a lower weight class to be much more competitive. I see myself progressing towards the Junior World Championships in late August/Early September.  Recently I hit a 380kg deadlift personal record, and I know I have a lot more in me - I just need to carry on staying consistent and hopefully bring my best self to the platform later this year in the Junior World Championships in Costa Rica.

What advice would you give to other student-athletes looking to push the limits in their sport while keeping up with their studies?

My biggest advice would be to manage your time well and use the support available to you. Balancing studies and sport isn’t easy, but if you’re disciplined and stay organised, you can make it work. Set clear goals, make a schedule, and stick to it. Surround yourself with people who support your ambitions, whether it’s coaches, teammates, or even university staff. Most importantly, stay passionate. If you love what you do, the hard work won’t feel like a sacrifice.

Watch Joshua's performance at the British Junior National Championships 2025, "solidifying himself as one of the most exciting prospects in modern powerlifting" and follow his progress on Instagram.


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