Powerlifter wins Commonwealth gold months after having pacemaker fitted
Just months after undergoing a specialist heart procedure, an Essex powerlifter is back doing what she loves and has won Commonwealth gold.
Nicky Solis, 64, from Bicknacre near South Woodham Ferrers, feared she might have to give up the sport when she became unexpectedly unwell during the summer, and doctors told her she needed a pacemaker to correct her very low heart rate.
Specialists at the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre (CTC), run by Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, realised a standard pacemaker would not be suitable for her powerlifting lifestyle. Instead, they fitted a leadless pacemaker, allowing Nicky to return to competition.
Just months later, in September, she won gold at the Commonwealth Championships in Canada.
Leadless pacemakers are 90 per cent smaller than traditional pacemakers, have no wires and are fitted directly inside the heart rather than under the skin.
Nicky said:
“The doctors took the time to ask me about my life and what I enjoyed doing. They were able to offer me an option that meant I could carry on powerlifting, which was such a relief as I really thought I might have to give it up.
“Powerlifting is really important to me, both mentally and physically.
“It was amazing to win gold, especially after so many years of hard work and training. It meant so much more after thinking I’d never be able to do powerlifting again. To come back and get Commonwealth gold was a dream come true and one of the proudest moments of my life.
“I can’t thank everyone at Basildon and Broomfield hospitals enough for the care I have received and for giving me the option of having a leadless pacemaker.”
This type of device can be offered to patients like Nicky whose lifestyle can make a conventional pacemaker unsuitable, as well as younger patients and those at higher risk of infection.
Dr Christine Menexi, the Consultant Cardiologist who carried out Nicky’s procedure, said:
“Nicky would not have been able to continue lifting with a traditional pacemaker, which sits under the skin near the collarbone, as the powerlifting bar would have been resting in the same place.
“The advantage of the leadless pacemaker is that it is implanted directly into the heart and attached to the wall of the heart.
“We are very proud to be able to offer this technology to patients at the CTC, allowing them to continue to live their lives the way they want to after the procedure.”
More than 100 leadless pacemakers have been fitted since they were introduced at the Trust in 2023.
Nicky took up powerlifting after retiring from teaching four years ago and joining a gym to stay fit. She initially started weight training before discovering powerlifting and going on to compete in her age and weight category.
ENDS
Image: Nicky at the Commonwealth Championships in Canada