Karenjeet Kaur Bains: The Powerhouse Behind “Athena” – Britain’s Trailblazing Sikh Powerlifter and Gladiator
Who is Karenjeet Kaur Bains?
Karenjeet Kaur Bains is a name synonymous with strength, perseverance, and breaking barriers. Born on 23rd July 1996 in Warwick, United Kingdom, she is a British powerlifter, former track and field athlete, and television personality best known for her role as “Athena” on the BBC’s hit reboot of Gladiators. Standing at 1.63 metres tall and weighing around 67 kilograms, she has become a household name representing courage, diversity, and empowerment.
But her journey to the top has been anything but ordinary. From sprinting on school tracks to lifting record-breaking weights, and from working at KPMG as a Chartered Accountant to becoming a Commonwealth Powerlifting Champion, Karenjeet’s story is an inspiring tale of determination and grit.
Early Life and Education
Karenjeet was raised in Warwickshire, England, in a close-knit British Sikh family deeply rooted in sports and hard work. Her parents encouraged excellence both in academics and athletics, laying the foundation for the multifaceted woman she would become.
She attended Myton School, where she excelled in both her studies and athletics, earning A*AAAB grades in her A Levels and breaking multiple school records in the 100m, 200m, and long jump. She also won the Psychology Prize for achieving the highest marks in her exams and served as Head Girl for three consecutive years.
Her passion for sports led her to pursue athletics, competing in sprinting and hammer throw events. During this time, she was affectionately nicknamed “Bullet Bains” because of her speed. However, destiny had other plans — her father introduced her to weight training to improve her sprint performance, and that decision changed her life forever.
Karenjeet went on to study at Durham University, where she earned a First-Class Honours degree in Accounting. Alongside her academic excellence, she was an active member of the Durham University Powerlifting Team, preparing for international championships even while completing her final exams. She simultaneously qualified as an ACA Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), balancing elite sports with a rigorous professional qualification.
Family Background: Strong Roots, Stronger Support
The foundation of Karenjeet’s resilience lies in her supportive family.
Father: Kuldip (Kuldeep) Singh Bains, a former bodybuilder and powerlifter, who became her first coach. His dedication to fitness and discipline inspired Karenjeet’s entry into weightlifting.
Mother: Manjit Kaur Bains, originally from Punjab, India, played a crucial role in motivating her daughter to embrace both academic and athletic excellence.
Brothers: Parminder Bains and Pardeep Bains, both national-level hurdlers, also contributed to the family’s athletic culture.
Her upbringing was steeped in the values of hard work, discipline, and faith, which continue to drive her both on and off the platform.
Rise to Powerlifting Fame
Karenjeet’s powerlifting journey began at just 17, when she entered her first competition after only three months of training — and won. Her rapid progression was remarkable. Within a few years, she became a Double British Junior Powerlifting Champion (2014 & 2015), Commonwealth Champion (2019), and the First British Sikh Female to represent Great Britain at both the World and European Classic Powerlifting Championships.
Some of her most notable achievements include:
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World Championships (2019) – Placed 9th in the world in the under-63kg category while completing her university exams.
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Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships (2019) – Won 3 Gold Medals (Squat, Deadlift, Overall) and 2 Silver Medals (Bench Press).
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World Bench Press Championships (2021) – Finished 6th in the world in the under-69kg category.
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Three National Senior Titles (2021) – Crowned the All England Overall Champion, All England Bench Press Champion, and British Bench Press Champion.
Her success not only elevated her status in sport but also shattered cultural and gender stereotypes, making her a symbol of empowerment for women, especially from South Asian backgrounds.
Karenjeet Kaur Bains – The Gladiator “Athena”
In 2024, Karenjeet brought her power and charisma to millions of TV screens when she joined the BBC reboot of Gladiators as “Athena.” The name perfectly fits her persona — inspired by the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, representing strength and intelligence in equal measure.
On the show, she became a fan favourite, admired for her athleticism, grace, and fearless attitude. As Athena, she embodies the essence of empowerment, encouraging young girls and women everywhere to embrace strength, not stereotypes.
Unfortunately, during the early stages of filming, she suffered a severe injury — including a complete ACL tear, multiple ligament injuries, and a femoral bone fracture. Despite this setback, she shared her recovery journey publicly, reassuring fans that she would return “stronger, wiser, and fiercer than ever.” Her resilience turned this challenge into yet another inspiring chapter in her story.
Professional Career as an ACA Chartered Accountant
Beyond the arena and gym, Karenjeet is also a qualified ACA Chartered Accountant — proving that brains and brawn can coexist.
She started her career through KPMG’s prestigious School Leaver Programme, earning her degree alongside full-time audit work. She worked at KPMG for over six years, eventually becoming Assistant Manager and leading major audit projects for clients across Telecommunications, Engineering, and Advertising sectors.
In 2022, she joined People Make It Work as a Business Planning and Finance Manager & Project Enabler, where she continues to bring strategic insight and leadership to the organisation.
Karenjeet also works as a motivational speaker and online coach, conducting workshops on resilience, balance, and mental strength. Her motto, “Strong over skinny,” encourages women to redefine beauty standards and prioritise health, confidence, and empowerment.
Karenjeet Kaur Bains Husband and Personal Life
As of now, Karenjeet Kaur Bains is not publicly married, and no verified information confirms a husband or partner. She keeps her personal life private, focusing instead on her career, recovery, and advocacy work.
Her social media presence, especially on Instagram (@karenjeet_bains), shows her dedication to fitness, mentorship, and motivational speaking rather than romantic or personal relationships.
Karenjeet Kaur Bains Parents and Family Legacy
Her father, Kuldip Singh Bains, and mother, Manjit Kaur Bains, are the backbone of her success. The Bains family represents a legacy of athleticism — her brothers, Parminder and Pardeep, were national-level athletes, while her father’s bodybuilding background helped shape her training philosophy.
This supportive environment nurtured a generation of achievers, making the Bains family a shining example of unity, culture, and discipline in modern British Sikh life.
Awards and Recognitions
Karenjeet’s excellence has earned her numerous accolades over the years:
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Commonwealth Powerlifting Champion (2019)
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First British Sikh Female to Represent Great Britain in World & European Championships
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Special Recognition Award (2019) – Presented by The Sikh Network at London City Hall for her contribution to sport
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British Universities Powerlifting Champion (2016)
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Three National Senior Titles (2021)
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Featured in Malala Yousafzai’s Game Changers Campaign (2020) and HarperCollins Anthology (2022)
Karenjeet Kaur Bains – Role Model and Advocate
Karenjeet uses her platform to promote diversity, women’s empowerment, and strength-based fitness. She is an ambassador for the Sikh Assembly and Sikh Games and regularly collaborates on campaigns highlighting the importance of representation and self-belief.
Her message to young women is clear:
“You are so much stronger than you think you are. Your struggle is real, but so is your power.”
FAQs
1. How old is Karenjeet Kaur Bains?
Karenjeet Kaur Bains was born on 23rd July 1996, which makes her 29 years old as of 2025.
2. What world record does Karenjeet Kaur Bains hold?
She holds a Guinness World Record for completing the most bodyweight squats in one minute, showcasing her exceptional lower-body strength and endurance.
3. Who are Karenjeet Kaur Bains’ parents?
Her father, Kuldip (Kuldeep) Singh Bains, is a former bodybuilder and powerlifter, while her mother, Manjit Kaur Bains, comes from a wrestling family and has been a strong supporter of her daughter’s journey.
4. Is Karenjeet Kaur Bains married?
No, as of now, there is no public information confirming that Karenjeet Kaur Bains is married or has a partner. She keeps her personal life private and focuses on her professional and athletic pursuits.
5. What is Karenjeet Kaur Bains best known for?
Karenjeet is best known as a British Sikh powerlifter, Commonwealth Champion, and the BBC Gladiator “Athena”. She is also a qualified Chartered Accountant (ACA) and a motivational speaker, inspiring women worldwide to embrace strength and confidence.
Conclusion: The Spirit of “Athena” Lives On
From Warwickshire’s school tracks to global stages and television screens, Karenjeet Kaur Bains stands as a symbol of courage, intellect, and unstoppable drive. Whether lifting weights, managing financial strategies, or motivating others, she continues to embody resilience and strength.
In both the sporting world and the professional arena, she has proven that success has no limits — only those we set ourselves. As she continues to recover and prepare for her Gladiator comeback, one thing is certain: Athena will rise again — stronger, wiser, and ready to inspire.
