Weightlifting is more than a sport—it’s a journey of strength, resilience, and community. For one Queensland weightlifter, it’s also a story of breaking barriers, achieving firsts, and inspiring the next generation. From a chance encounter at the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane to becoming a trailblazer for women in weightlifting, Deb Keelan’s career spans over 40 years of competing, officiating, and volunteering.
In this exclusive interview, she shares her remarkable journey—from attending the first Women’s World Weightlifting Championships to becoming the first female president of the QWA. Along the way, she reflects on the evolution of women in the sport, her career highlights, and her hopes for the future of weightlifting in Queensland and beyond.
Whether it’s competing on the platform, refereeing on the world stage, or managing the QWA with passion and dedication, Deb’s story is one of lifting both weights and legacies.
Dive in to discover Deb’s incredible path and what keeps her inspired to elevate the sport she loves.
Deb, how did you get started in weightlifting?
There is always great value espoused to the legacy provided by home hosted large sporting events. Back in 1982 this legacy notion was not given so much weight, but the Commonwealth Games in Brisbane certainly did pave the way for Queensland Weightlifting to encourage several British expats to move to Australia bringing new knowledge and a wealth of energy. A legacy of human resources.
Prior to 1982 I had no knowledge of the sport but after meeting Mike Keelan as part of the 1982 Commonwealth Games celebrations I was destined to intensive immersion in the sport of weightlifting and subsequent involvement at all levels of the sport.
What's something our QWA members might not know about you?
If I am not at a Weightlifting competition on weekends, I can be found out in the paddock with my Greenfield mower trying to keep the weeds at bay, tending my garden – more weeds, doing laps at my local pool, or catching up with my old nursing friends for coffee. I am an avid reader of all genres of writing – in particular science fiction or anything involving dragons! Favourite downtime spot is always the beach. Probably the Pisces in me.
Tell us about your career as an athlete
I started lifting weights in 1983 I can’t recall (it is over 40 years ago now) when my first competition actually was but I did attend the very first stand-alone Women’s World Weightlifting Championships in Daytona Beach, Florida, USA. Lynda Kennedy coach and Gina Burnett Assistant coach also made their first International debut.
That first event was probably less athletically focused than what World Championships have now progressed to. Being driven around the Daytona Racetrack and attending a party at the mansion of the owner of Reef Suntan Oil (way back before Slip, Slop & Slap came along) complete with inhouse disco – it was the 80’s!
From the early days Queensland male members have always been very supportive of females involvement in the sport in all capacities. Just to name a few from those early days– Mike Keelan, Barry Harden, Greg Hobl, Bob Kennedy , Bob Henderson, Leo Isaac, Gary Langford moving through to the likes of Rube Howes, Mal Irwin, and Ian Moir .
The Oceania Gold medal against weightlifting star- to- be Olivia Baker of NZ in Samoa has to be my stand out achievement at a competition. That was an eye-opening trip flying into Fiji being bussed across the island through armed checkpoints in the middle of the night while they did a plane repair. Thankfully I had members of the PNG team to keep an eye on me.
“Being the first Queensland female weightlifter to achieve a 100kg Clean & Jerk”
As we know now that weight is lifted on a regular basis by lots of females – in the Snatch. Who would have thought it?
Having my young daughter Jess calling from the crowd encouraging me at the 2006 World Masters Games in Brisbane – the very same venue of the 1982 Commonwealth Games.
How have things changed for women in weightlifting since you first started?
I was very pleased to see the move away from bathing costume style lifting suits!
“I have continued to achieve many firsts – the first female President of the QWA and I am confident that my example opens the doors to more women representing at all levels in the sport.”
It is so amazing and exciting to see that particularly here in Queensland we have more female members than males in what was once a mens only sport.
What have been your career highlights as a volunteer and IWF Technical Official?
Being an appointed referee at the 2005 World Junior Championships in Busan, Korea, 2006 Commonwealth Games (Melbourne), 2007 World University Games, Taipei, 2018 Commonwealth Games (Gold Coast) and numerous events across the Oceania region.
“Being the first female in Queensland to reach Cat 1 International Referee status”
What is your favourite thing about being the QWA Operations Manager?
The amazing people I have met, worked with and can count as my friends.
Seeing new members and clubs sign up to be part of the weightlifting community. Being able to facilitate development of our volunteer workforce.
What are your hopes for the future of weightlifting in Queensland and Australia?
That we find a way to increase our participation numbers in all areas of the sport – athlete, volunteers, coaches, technical officials and supporters.
It is heartening to see that we at least have the general public knowing what weightlifting is as a sport – snatch, and clean and jerk – not bodybuilding or powerlifting!
