A powerful role model

Leeming Senior High School science teacher Jackson Stubberfield is preparing to represent Australia at the World Powerlifting Championship after an impressive win at the national level earlier this year.

Competing in the 120kg+ division at the Australian National Championships in March, Mr Stubberfield claimed the national title for a fourth time with a record-breaking total of 910kg (350kg squat, 222.5kg bench and 342.5kg deadlift), surpassing the 2,000lb (907.18kg) benchmark and setting a new Australian record. 

This will be his third time competing at the world championships. 

Mr Stubberfield’s journey into powerlifting began as a personal recovery effort after a series of injuries sidelined him from team sports. 

“At first, it was just about getting stronger again and having something to work towards, but over time it became a real passion,” Mr Stubberfield said.  

“Like any sport, there have been setbacks, such as injuries, missed lifts and tough comps, but I’ve always come back to it because I genuinely enjoy the process.  

“There’s something satisfying about chipping away at long-term goals and seeing progress, even when it’s slow.  

“What drives me now is less about numbers and more about showing up consistently, pushing my own limits and staying in it for the long haul.” 

Balancing elite-level training with a full-time teaching role is no small task and the lead up to competition can be intense.  

Mr Stubberfield trains exclusively outside of school hours and attributes his ability to juggle both responsibilities to careful planning and routine. 

“Teaching isn’t exactly a nine to three job; there’s planning, marking, and the general chaos of the school day. So I try to keep things structured,” he explained.   

“Once the school day wraps up, I head straight to the gym and get it done. It’s part of my routine now, and I find that having something physical and goal-driven outside of work actually helps me be a better teacher.  

“It forces me to have boundaries and to look after myself.” 

When asked how students respond to his achievements, Mr Stubberfield said the reaction is often one of surprise, but they’re always supportive. 

“Some are genuinely curious about the sport and will ask about how comps work or how training’s going, while others just think it’s funny that their teacher lifts heavy things after school,” he said. 

“I think it’s good for them to see that their teachers have goals and interests outside the classroom.  

“Hopefully it shows them that commitment, patience, and hard work aren’t just things we talk about at school; they’re things we live out too.” 

Mr Stubberfield will represent Australia at the upcoming World Powerlifting Championships in Germany in June, with the full support of the Leeming Senior High School community behind him.