About us

About us

BWL is the UK’s recognised governing body for Olympic Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, working to grow the sports and create opportunities for people of all abilities to get involved. From helping beginners take their first steps to supporting athletes on the pathway to elite performance, we develop athletes, coaches, clubs and communities through education, competition and support.

Our ambition is simple: to inspire more people to lift, help them find their strong, and create a stronger future for the sport.

Our story

British Weight lifting
has always been
about strength

Not just the weight, but the strength of people, communities and connection.

It starts with a barbell. With learning how to lift well. With adding kilos, making more lifts, and building confidence from the ground up.

Across the United Kingdom, weightlifting and para powerlifting is growing, 
through our clubs, our high level coaches, our passionate volunteers, and our committed people, all choosing to test themselves, support others, and belong 
to something bigger.

Now, together, we are ready to build a strong future for our sports. Helping more people find their strong.

Our strategic plan Download our strategic plan

Our purpose

Forging a stronger nation through weight lifting.

Where every lift builds strength, confidence, opportunity and connection, helping everybody find their strong.

Strength is not reserved for the few. It’s certainly not only physical, and it really never looks the same twice.
It lives in all of us, and we are committed to helping everyone to find their strong in our community.
Start to Find your Strong

The BWL way

STRONG IS FOR EVERYONE

We lead with inclusion, opening our sports to every age, every stage and every level.
We share our expertise supporting others to progress, belong and thrive.

TOGETHER WE
WIN WELL

We are one community. Our athletes, coaches, clubs,
members, volunteers, board, staff and partners, united in support of each other’s progress and success.

WE DO IT 
RIGHT

We set the standard across our sports. We act with care and integrity, with no compromises or corners cut.

ALWAYS 
BRAVE

We lead with confidence 
and total clarity. We make 
bold, informed decisions 
that strengthen our people, performance, and the sport.

Strength starts
from within

Behind every strong athlete, coach and community is a dedicated team working to make the sport better.

Our Board and staff bring together expertise, passion and a shared commitment to the future of British Weight Lifting. Together, they provide the leadership, support and direction needed to develop our sports, strengthen our communities and create opportunities for everyone to find their strong.

Our partners

STRONG IS FOR EVERYONE

Courses

For beginners, coaches, personal trainers and fitness professionals at every stage of their development

Clubs & gyms

Find a club or gym close to you or learn how your club, gym or school can get support from BWL though our member scheme.

Competitions

Compete at the highest level, start your competitive journey or just buy a ticket to watch one of our events.