British Weight Lifting has confirmed a return to competition with spectators – its first flagship event following the pandemic – at the British Weight Lifting Championships 2022 from 29-30 January at Derby Arena, bringing the event to the region for the first time.
Next year’s Championships will see athletes from the Home Nations compete in the crucial qualifier for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, following a summer of exciting Olympic and Paralympic events. These saw Emily Campbell become the first British woman to win an Olympic medal in the sport, and Paralympic athletes Louise Sugden, Micky Yule and Olivia Broome claim podium spots.
Sarah Davies, Emily Campbell and Olivia Broome have again recently seen success on the international stage. At the IWF World Championships, Sarah Davies secured a silver medal – the first for a GB athlete – whereas Emily Campbell secured silver for her clean and jerk and a bronze medal for her total. Olivia Broome stepped onto the podium twice at the World Para Powerlifting Championships, securing a junior gold medal and a silver medal in the Senior competition.
The 2022 Commonwealth Games offers the largest fully-integrated para-sport programme for any Commonwealth Games, making it a highly-sought after event for British athletes competing in the Championships to secure a place.
With athletes continuing to secure medals and the stakes especially high, the British Championships event promises to deliver. It will feature three different competitions:
- The British Weight Lifting Senior Championships
- The British Weight Lifting Masters Championships
- The British Weight Lifting Para Powerlifting Championships
In addition, there will be the opportunity for other Commonwealth countries to enter and qualify for Birmingham 2022.
Speaking ahead of the event, British Weight Lifting Chief Executive Officer Ashley Metcalfe commented: “We’re absolutely delighted to be able to welcome spectators back in this return to competition next January. It’s set to be an especially exciting event, not just for this reason, but because those attending will be able to cheer on superstar athletes they watched at the Olympics and Paralympics this summer.
“Derby Arena is the perfect venue for the Championships, with a big appetite for the sport in the local area, producing athletes like Emily Campbell who trains around the corner – we really hope the event will inspire the next generation as they come to watch local lifters compete for prestigious titles and medals.
“We’re really proud to be bringing together all the Home Nations across the three different competitions, and the stakes are especially high in view of the Commonwealth Games next July. I know the local crowd will be a fantastic support and boost for the athletes competing on home soil after an incredibly tough couple of years.”
The event is to be delivered by British Weight Lifting. With welfare of athletes, teams and the event workforce the top priority, organisers are monitoring Covid-19 regulations closely and ensuring that the event is run in line with government guidance to make it as safe and secure as possible.
Tickets are available at a reduced early bird price to purchase here. The event will also be live streamed – details to follow.
With thanks to British Weight Lifting via Conker Communications
