WEIGHTLIFTING: BRITAIN’S elite weightlifters will compete for a spot at next year’s Commonwealth Games at the Ricoh Arena next week.
The British Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting Championships return to the venue on Saturday, July 15, and Sunday, July 16, for the fourth consecutive year as organisers look to beat last year’s record crowd for a domestic weightlifting competition.
Taking place across two packed days of competition, the event will host more than 170 weightlifters who are competing to be named British Champion.
This includes 18-year-old Rebekah Tiler, whose last performance at the Ricoh Arena cemented her place at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games where she finished in tenth place.
Also in action will be reigning Commonwealth Games Champion Zoe Smith, London 2012 Olympian Jack Oliver and international medallist Mercy Brown.
The Para Powerlifting competition will take place on Sunday morning, where Rio 2016 silver medallist Ali Jawad will be in action.
Ali will also be joined by Rio 2016 bronze medallist Zoe Newson, five-time Paralympian Natalie Blake and Invictus Games gold medallist Micky Yule.
Ashley Metcalfe, British Weight Lifting CEO, said: “Last year’s event was a fantastic showcase for the sport, with packed-out crowds providing a fantastic atmosphere throughout the weekend – and the aim is to replicate that again this year.
“We’ve worked hard over the last few years to provide our athletes with the best competitive environment possible and in doing so, we aim to bring our domestic competitions in line with the standards experienced internationally to really get the best out of our lifters.
“Weightlifting is growing in popularity, and hosting these championships in a central location at the Ricoh Arena allows us to maximise the interest that’s out there.”
Sessions are set to run in Hall Three and Hall Five from 9am until 8.30pm on the Saturday and 9am until 6pm on Sunday.
Nick Eastwood, chief executive, at the Ricoh Arena, said: “This is a great opportunity to get close up to some of the country’s most talented athletes.
“We’re extremely honoured to be hosting this event for the fourth year.
“It is the biggest domestic competition for the sport which draws people in from all around the country, and we’re expecting another big crowd over the two days.”
