on Monday 11th November 2024 the Powerlifting world awoke to hear the devasting and sad news of Julia Mills passing the day before, 10th November 2024. The Powerlifting community has lost not only a fantastic lifter but a beautiful soul.
I recently had the pleasure of sharing a platform with Julia at the inaugural 4 Nations Championships on 21st July 2024 in Wrexham, North Wales, just 11 days before Julia’s 46th birthday. Julia won Female Best Lifter award and her partner, Sam Solomi, took Male Best Lifter.
Julia’s lifts that day were outstanding with a 625kg Total ( Squat: 245kg, Bench: 145kg, Deadlift: 235kg ) in the Raw & Wraps category.
Julia was an outstanding Powerlifter and her best lifts can be seen here on the Open Powerlifting screenshot.
A full list of Julia’s competitions and results can be had on Open Powerlifting by clicking here
As stated above that I had to pleasure of sharing the same platform recently with Julia of which I spoke to her as I always done when I met her. She always had a smile and time to chat with me. She was such a beautiful person both inside and out and I am thankful to have known such a fantastic lady.
I asked my good friend, Niall Reddan, to say a few words as Niall would have shared several platforms with Julia, when Julia came to Limerick, Ireland, and Niall would have partnered Julia in taking their respective Best Lifter awards at these competitions.
Last competition Julia done (Limerick) was the “Irish Pro” which she won. She also won the European cup in Limerick 2023 where she won Female Best Lifter and I won Male Best Lifter. We also both won the Brodie charity comp. 2022 in Limerick, where again I won Raw Male Best Lifter and Julia the Female Best Lifter.
I wish I new her more but from what I seen and the way she would speak to you then she was an absolutely beautiful person. she was an incredible powerlifter and a rare personality who was both incredibly strong and humble
-Niall Reddan
Its fitting to have Sam Solomi say a few words here about Julia…….
I can’t believe I’m saying this. I never thought I’d have to type these words. 💔Julia has had a tragic accident at home in the last couple of days and unfortunately has passed away. Julia, It still feels a bad dream and I am desperate to wake up from it. I can’t believe you aren’t here anymore. I am so grateful to have met you, to have known you, to have loved you, and to have shared a portion of my time on earth with you. She will always be the most beautiful gentle soul I’ve ever known. The world is a darker place without you here. If there is anything else out there I will see you again. One day. But you told me to not rush to see you if this ever happened. So I won’t. Sleep tight beautiful girl 💜💜💜
Sam Solomi and Julia Mills
Julia was to do our Spotlight Interview which she was delighted to do. Sam Solomi will be doing a piece on Julia as a special here for a much loved lady so watch this space as its coming soon.
Imithe ach nà dhearmadta riamh. Go dtuga sà suaimhneas sÃoraÃ
Liam Beville | P.R.O. GPC Ireland Powerlifting
Julia was a very special person and will be sadly missed