Dr. Martine Barons, lovingly dubbed “Britain’s Strongest Gran,” turned to Merchr to create a custom t-shirt that not only embodied her determination, body-positive attitude and sense of humour but also served as the perfect gear for training.
Martine’s extraordinary journey into powerlifting began after a chance encounter with a barbell. Her entry into the sport began over the 2023 holiday season, but in just a few months, she shattered British, European, and World records for her age and weight category. Currently, at 63, her personal bests include a 150kg deadlift, a 100kg squat, and a 57.5kg bench press. Remarkable achievements for someone who only recently stepped onto the lifting platform. Beyond her reputation as a record-breaking lifter, Martine is also an accomplished academic, serving as the Director of the Applied Statistics and Risk Unit at the University of Warwick.
When designing her t-shirt, Martine wanted something that would adorn the phrase “My ideal weight? More on the bar than last time!”. In Martine’s words, the reason for this phrase is “to flip the bird to the diet industry which does so much harm, especially to women. Expressed more positively, it is an appreciation of the body-positive culture within powerlifting which judges bodies on what they can achieve, not on appearance/weight”. This design features the font Bebas Neue from the Design Hub, chosen for its bold and striking aesthetic. The shirt in question is the Ladies Fitted T-Shirt in black.
Martine’s enthusiasm for her new shirt was evident after a recent gym session: “The t-shirt got lots of love at the gym today… And I got a PB 150kg deadlift. Must be the shirt!”
Merchr isn’t just for elite athletes; it’s for anyone looking to express their passion and tell their unique story through custom merchandise. Whether you’re chasing fitness goals, building a business, or simply pursuing a creative hobby, Merchr offers an easy and reliable way to design products that inspire and empower. Follow Martine’s lead and craft your own statement piece today!
