Gwendolyn

From the moment she appears on-screen, Gwendolyn Leick intrigues the viewer. What is it about her face, the way it looks stiff and lopsided? And why is this sixtysomething retired anthropologist, who weighs little more than 50 kilos, lifting heavy weights in an East London gym? Gwen may appear fragile, but looks can be deceiving. In a carefully structured sequence of scenes, Gwendolyn gradually reveals more about this tenacious Austrian, who's been living in London for more than 40 years. We learn that she has won multiple weightlifting championships and was twice world champion—she also speaks several languages. Currently, she's undergoing treatment for salivary gland cancer. Anyone else would probably take it easy for a while, but not Gwen. With the support of her dedicated trainer Pat and her partner Charlie, she's preparing for the European Weightlifting Championships in Azerbaijan. By this point, we've already fallen in love with this remarkable tough cookie.