The British Weight Lifting (BWL) Annual Achievement Awards aim to recognise the outstanding contributions and efforts from the Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting community. We asked you, the weightlifting and para powerlifting community, who should be celebrated for their contribution to the sport.

Celebrating Excellence: The 2024 British Weight Lifting Achievement Award Winners

Over the past few weeks, we invited the weight lifting community to cast their votes and help shine a spotlight on the individuals and clubs who’ve gone above and beyond in 2024.

The response has been nothing short of inspiring. From coaches who give tirelessly behind the scenes to lifters breaking barriers and setting new records, your nominations and votes have reminded us all of the strength, resilience, and spirit that define British Weight Lifting.

Now, the moment has arrived to honour those who stood out and captured the hearts of our community. We are proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Annual Achievement Awards- each one a shining example of dedication, excellence, and the power of sport to uplift and inspire.

Eleiko Coach of the Year Award - Mehmed Fikretov

Mehmed Fikretov, founder and head coach of Mem’s Weightlifting Club, is one of London’s most respected Olympic weightlifting coaches. A product of the renowned Bulgarian school of champions, he has trained athletes from complete beginners to national and international record-holders. A former elite weightlifter, Mem represented Bulgaria on the European and World Championship stage, earning multiple titles and medals. Through his outstanding coaching and positive club environment, Mehmed has cultivated a community of exceptional weightlifters. Well done, Mem, your leadership, dedication, and ability to bring out the best in your athletes are truly commendable. This award is a testament to the impact you’ve made in the sport and the lives you’ve helped shape.

Eleiko Club of the Year Award - Mem’s Weightlifting Club

Mem’s Weightlifting Club was founded by this year’s Eleiko Coach of the Year award winner, Mehmed Fikretov, and was described by the South London Press as ‘the go-to destination for Britain’s future Olympians. The mission at Mem’s is to bring world-class coaching to athletes of all levels - from first-time lifters to elite competitors - within a supportive and welcoming environment. Mem’s delivers a timetable of impeccable coaching and has cultivated a community of dedicated, technically proficient weightlifters, all while running regular competitions. Well done, Mem’s Weightlifting Club, your outstanding contributions, community spirit, and talent development have set a national standard.

Power Grid Projects Inspiring Others Award - Chris Murray

British Weight Lifting’s very own Chris Murray, who works as a Pathway Coach, has represented both England & Great Britain on the international platform. He won gold at the Commonwealth Games 2022 & broke the Games record. In 2023/24, Chris snatched double bodyweight 3 times & broke two British records in two different weight categories. Despite setbacks, Chris remains a dedicated athlete, sharing his weightlifting journey on social media. Your story and leadership are truly inspiring and remind us of the power of positivity in sport.

Louis Martin MBE Lifetime Achievement Award - Sue Trebilcock

Coming from a renowned weightlifting family and after a long and illustrious career, as a lifter, coach and much respected International Technical Official, having played a part in multiple international competitions, like the London 2012 Olympics, where she acted as timekeeper. Sue continues to set unbelievable standards for herself and fellow Masters’ lifters every time she goes onto a platform. Notably, securing a gold medal and 3 European records at past European Masters Championships. At Northern Masters events, she was repeatedly named “best lifter” in her sessions after a string of incredible performances. Sue, your lifelong commitment to the sport is an inspiration to us all.

Optimum Nutrition Technical Official of the Year Award - Aaron Holt

It’s hard to attend a British Weightlifting event without seeing Aaron in some capacity. Aaron is a Level 3 qualified technical official and helps at many domestic events as referee, Marshall and any role he can get his hands on. Aaron has also officiated internationally at the European Masters Championships. Outside of being a technical official, Aaron lifts himself and makes up half of TO the bar with Jess Roebuck-Slaney. Aaron, you are a diamond, we couldn’t do it without you.

Optimum Nutrition Masters Lifter of the Year Award- Kate Hodge

Kate first got involved in weightlifting after an operation for a prolapsed disc. She wanted to strengthen her core, and from there began weightlifting. Since then, Kate has gone from strength to strength, becoming British Champion in the women’s 35 59kg division and representing GBR at the European Masters Championships in 2023,4 and 5. This year, Kate totalled 151kg in the 64kg class. Well done, Kate, your continued performance and passion are truly inspirational.

Brian Hamill Unsung Hero of the Year Award - Aaron Moore

Aaron first got involved in weightlifting at the age of 11 and has since thrown himself into all aspects of the sport. Outside of his own lifting, Aaron delivers coaching to the youth provision at mettle and leads the coaching at Sheffield Hallan University weightlifting. Beyond that, Aaron coordinates and runs a regular tier 3 competition schedule for mettle and is regularly seen volunteering at British Weightlifting events. Aaron is fully invested in the sport, putting himself through CPD wherever possible, and gives up a lot of his time to support the development of others and the sport. Well done, Aaron, your behind-the-scenes work has made a real difference in our sport.

John Lear Outstanding Contribution Award - Jo Calvino

Jo is a British Weightlifting legend and has given so much to the sport both domestically and internationally. As a 21-time British Champion, Commonwealth Games Champion and European masters Champion and record holder, Jo has put so much in to the sport both personally and for others. Jo has been a category 1 technical official since 2011 and regularly gives her time to officiating at competitions. As a UK Anti-Doping Athlete Commission member, Jo leads by example and sets a standard to other athletes. Jo was notably the Competition manager for the Brimingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, managing to deliver an exceptional competition here in the NEC. Currently the Chair of Weightlifting Wales, Jo continues to support the development of the sport. Jo, your long-standing efforts have significantly shaped the British Weight Lifting landscape- thank you.

S&F Flooring Volunteer of the Year Award - Krys Campbell

Krys is an exceptional weightlifter, having become a 5-time British master champion, European Masters Champion and English Senior Medallist. Krys recently announced that she has been selected to represent Team Jamaica and is aspiring for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Outside of her personal lifting, Krys gives a lot of time as a volunteer to the sport, both in local tier 3 and national British Weight Lifting events. Krys is known for her organisation, passion and dedication to the sport. Well deserved, Krys, your time and support are invaluable to our sport.

SBD Young Weightlifter of the Year Award - joint winners:

Amelie Pelta

Amelie is an incredible young weightlifter, having transferred to the sport from a gymnastics background. Her impressive wrap sheet includes the IWF World Youth Championships, European Junior and Under23 Championship and the European Under 15 Youth Championships- where she secured a bronze medal in the snatch. Amelie’s current best total is 176kg which she secured at the England Age Group Championships earlier this year, which is a whopping 70kg more than her first competition total just two years before. Well done, Amelie, you are a rising star, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for you.

Annabelle Pettit

Annabelle got involved in weightlifting at the age of 11 and has been on an upward trajectory since then. Annabelle's first international competition was the EWF European U15 and Youth Championships, where she totalled 132kg. She upped this total to 157kg when she attended the same competition two years later, and this year she attended the IWF World Youth championships, building on this total by a further 9kg, only to add another 5kg a week later at the Yorkshire Spring Open. Well done, Annabelle, your achievements show incredible potential and discipline.

SBD Young Para Powerlifter of the Year Award - Evelyn Thomas

Evelyn lifts at SAW Cymru in the -64kg para powerlifting category and is part of Weightlifting Wales development squad. Her best bench is an impressive 67kg. In the Welsh Age Groups 2023 competition, Evelyn not only won the Welsh title, but broke a personal best and the Welsh record. Evelyn is a true inspiration to everyone in the para powerlifting community. Well done, your efforts and commitment represent the very best of the sport.

Sportscover Weightlifter of the Year Award - Emily Campbell

Emily is the most successful British weightlifter of modern times, a 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist (including the Flag Bearer for Team England across all sports at the Opening Ceremony), silver medallist at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, bronze medallist at the Paris 2024 Olympics & she recently won her fifth consecutive title at the European Championships in 2024. Emily remains an inspiration to a nation of weightlifters of all ages & abilities, encouraging everyone from all backgrounds, genders & races to try the sport and embrace all the opportunities it provides. On behalf of all of us, well done Emily.

Sportscover Para Powerlifter of the Year Award - Olivia Broome

Double Paralympic medallist Olivia got involved in para powerlifting at the age of 15 and went from strength to strength from there. Olivia became a silver medallist at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games in the lightweight division right here in the NEC. 2023 saw Olivia become world champion in the 50kg division, building on the silver medal she got at the World Championships in 2021. Olivia first attended the Paralympic Games in 2020 in Tokyo, where she scored a bronze medal, managing to secure another bronze at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Well done, Olivia, your strength, focus, and accomplishments have inspired the entire community.

Eleiko Coach of the Year Award

Amy Kirby-Saunders - Amy has been involved in the sport of weightlifting for 13 years & gravitated towards coaching others. Amy founded her club Resilience Weightlifting in Bath after identifying that there were no clubs in her region, and she aspired to give new & current weightlifters a club and a community to be a part of, & to help them achieve their full potential within the sport. Amy is also a BWL pathway coach & recently coached our international teams at the IWF World Youth Championships & EWF European Youth Championships.

Eleiko Club of the Year Award

North Tyneside Barbells started in 2014, so what an accolade to win Club of the Year on their 10^th anniversary. The club was founded by Steve Sharp (who was nominated for Coach of the Year) and is currently one of the largest clubs in the country based on active membership. The club’s motto is 'Strong People build Strong Societies' and Steve aims to build young individuals into positive, impactful members of society through strength training and competitive sport.

Inspiring Others Award

Emily Campbell - Emily is the most successful British weightlifter of modern times, a 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist (including the Flag Bearer for Team England across all sports at the Opening Ceremony), silver medallist at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics & she recently won her fourth consecutive title at the European Championships in 2024. Emily will represent Team GB at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Emily remains an inspiration to a nation of weightlifters of all ages & abilities, encouraging everyone from all backgrounds, genders & races to try the sport and embrace all the opportunities it provides. Emily, we cannot wait to see what you will achieve in Paris this summer, good luck & thank you for your immeasurable contribution to weightlifting.

Louis Martin MBE Lifetime Achievement Award

Keith Morgan OBE - Keith is the driving force behind Crystal Palace Weightlifting Club & was recently honoured with an OBE for Services to Sport. Keith has been involved in weightlifting for more than 50 years as an athlete, coach, talent recruiter, anti-doping tester, and competition organiser. He was also technical operations manager at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games & sits on the IWF Coaching & Research Committee. He coached Weightlifting Olympian Emily Muskett and shot-putter Myrtle Augee as well as the IWF Athletes Commission Chair, Forrester Osei &. His incredible dedication & impact on the weightlifting community has truly uplifted the sport.

Optimum Nutrition Technical Official of the Year Award

Jess Roebuck- Slaney - Jess’ passion for lifting is all-consuming. A competitive lifter herself, Jess is also a devoted & dedicated Technical Official. She selflessly & endlessly volunteers at weightlifting events across the country & is always a consummate professional. Jess is co-owner of Atticus Barbell Club & co-host of the To the Bar podcast with Aaron Holt.

Optimum Nutrition Masters Lifter of the Year Award

Gemma Peregrine - Gemma is a seasoned master’s lifter who currently holds all British Masters Records in the Snatch / Clean & Jerk / Total in the W40-45 U55kg. She was the 2023 British (Bangor), European (Waterford IRL) & World (Poland) Masters Champion & has also competed in the British & England Seniors in the 55kg category.

S&F Flooring Volunteer of the Year Award

Holly Baker - Holly's commitment to volunteering at both the local and national level competitions is admirable, it demonstrates her willingness to give back to the weightlifting community and support others in achieving their goals. Last year, Holly also won Technical Official of the Year.

Brian Hamill Unsung Hero of the Year Award

Eddie Halstead - Eddie is truly the backbone of weightlifting & is considered a true hero among the community. He works endlessly to deliver competition logistics at innumerable events every year, is a diligent technical official & a legendary speaker. What he doesn’t know about weightlifting isn’t worth knowing.

John Lear Outstanding Contribution Award

Cyril Martin - Cyrill is based at Atlas Weightlifting Club, in Alfreton, Nottinghamshire. Cyril has over six decades of weightlifting experience. At sixty, he even competed at the World Masters Championships. Cyril has coached many athletes to medal successes, his most notable being Emily Campbell at the 2020 Olympic Games. Hugely deserved, he has and continues to make an incredible contribution to the sport of weightlifting.

SBD Young Para Powerlifter of the Year

Evelyn Thomas - Evelyn lifts at SAW Cymru in the -64kg para powerlifting category and is part of Weightlifting Wales development squad. Her best bench is an impressive 67kg. In the Welsh Age Groups 2023 competition, Evelyn not only won the Welsh title, but broke a personal best and the Welsh record. Evelyn is a true inspiration to everyone in the para powerlifting community.

SBD Young Weightlifter of the Year Award

For the first time ever, two lifters have jointly won the Young Weightlifter of the Year Award, both equally deserving of the title!

Isabella Brown - Bella is a rising star in weightlifting & is the British record holder in U15, U17, U20 & U23 age groups. She won bronze at the European Junior Championships in 2023 & has recently been selected for the BWL GB academy.

Josh Hutton - Josh lists with North Tyneside Barbells & has broken 8 Junior British Records in his weightlifting career - U15 / U17 / U20. He was the U20 British Age Groups Champion in 2023, the U20 England Age Group Champion in 2023 & 2024. He won gold at BUCS 2023 & silver in 2024. He represented England Juniors in 2024 & has been selected for this year’s GB Junior Squad.

Sportscover Weightlifter of the Year Award

Chris Murray - British Weightlifting’s very own Chris Murray, who works as a Pathway Coach, has represented both England & Great Britain on the international platform. He won gold at the Commonwealth Games 2022 & broke the Games record. In 2023/24, Chris snatched double bodyweight 3 times & broke two British records in two different weight categories.

Sportscover Para Powerlifter of the Year

Zoe Newson - Zoe is a two-time Paralympic bronze medallist, making her debut at London 2012, and has recently competed at her fourth consecutive Games in Paris. The Ipswich lifter, who is a mother to her son Duncan, began competing in 2007 before going on to win a junior world title in 2010. Zoe now boasts multiple global medals and is a valued member of the World Class Programme here at British Weightlifting. She is an incredibly talented and inspirational athlete.

Coach of the Year Award

Joe Cowen - Joe is an exceptional weightlifting coach who is dedicated to helping his clients reach their goals and create a welcoming community. He has created his own weightlifting gym and offers personalized programming and coaching to his clients. Joe is also compassionate and inclusive, making sure that everyone feels comfortable and safe in his gym, including those with neurodivergent disabilities. He has helped many lifters achieve their goals and has even inspired some to become coaches themselves.

Eleiko Club of the Year Award

Resilience Weightlifting is an exceptional weightlifting club that fosters a strong sense of community and inclusivity. The club's supportive head coach, Amy, takes a holistic approach to coaching and adapts training to meet the individual needs of each athlete. Resilience Weightlifting offers a range of sessions and programs for lifters of all ages and abilities, from beginner to elite. Members are encouraged to compete, and the club provides excellent support for athletes competing in local and national competitions. Resilience Weightlifting is making a positive impact in the South West and is passionate about growing the sport. The club's welcoming and supportive environment is helping to inspire new lifters and build a community of passionate weightlifters.

Inspiring Others Award

Benedict Millson - It's inspiring to hear about Benedict's achievements despite the challenges he faces with Erbs Palsy and mental health issues. His determination and resilience are a testament to his character and his dedication to the sport of weightlifting. It's remarkable that he has become a champion and a coach, and that he continues to push himself to new heights despite the obstacles he faces. His willingness to be open about his struggles with mental health is also incredibly admirable, as it helps to break down the stigma around these issues and encourages others to seek help and support. Benedict's story is a reminder that with hard work, perseverance, and a positive attitude, we can overcome even the most daunting obstacles and achieve great things.

Louis Martin Lifetime Achievement Award

Micky Yule - After an incredible sporting career Micky Yule has made the decision to retire from Para powerlifting. Micky was discovered during Gold4Glasgow talent search ahead of the 2014 Commonwealth Games and went on to compete at the highest level in his sport. Micky faced significant challenges but met them all with extraordinary determination. Finishing his career on a high his most recent achievements included a bronze medal in the men's 72 kg event at the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo, Japan. He followed this with another bronze in the men's heavyweight category at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

Mike Pearman - Mike has been involved in the weightlifting community for a long time and has been both a competitor and coach. As a coach, Mike has played an important role in helping to develop the skills and abilities of weightlifters at both national and club level. He has helped to identify talented athletes and worked with them to improve their technique, strength, and overall performance. In particular, Mike's support of women's weightlifting is significant. Historically, weightlifting has been seen as a male-dominated sport, and women have often faced obstacles when trying to participate. By supporting and coaching the women's national team, Mike has helped to break down some of these barriers and promote gender equality in the sport.

Technical Official of the Year Award

Holly Baker - Holly's commitment to volunteering at both the local and national level competitions is admirable, it demonstrates her willingness to give back to the weightlifting community and support others in achieving their goals.

S&F Flooring Masters Lifter of the Year Award

Trish Tenn - Trish is an inspiration not only for masters women but also masters athletes in general. Proof that age is just a number!

Brian Hamill Unsung Hero of the Year Award

Jo Calvino - As the Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting Competition Manager at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, Jo played a vital role in ensuring that the event was a success. Her hard work and dedication to creating a fantastic experience for both the lifters and the spectators clearly paid off. Jo brought the sport to life and made the event so exciting for everyone involved. The impressive Eleiko kit, the commentators and the DJ all added to the atmosphere and made the weightlifting hall a thrilling place to be. It no doubt inspired a future generation of weightlifters and para powerlifters.

John Lear Outstanding Contribution Award

Ray Williams - Ray is a dedicated and passionate coach who not only focuses on helping his weightlifters succeed at competitions, including the Commonwealth Games, but also strives to promote physical fitness and wellness in his local community. By being willing to coach anyone who wants to improve, regardless of their initial skill level, Ray is helping to create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their fitness goals. This approach can have a positive impact on individuals' physical and mental health, as well as foster a sense of community and camaraderie among participants. Ray's commitment to the sport of weightlifting is admirable and has had far-reaching benefits for both his local community and the sport of weightlifting as a whole.

Volunteer of the Year Award

Gemma Harvey - Gemma is an individual who goes above and beyond to make a difference in her community, especially in supporting the growth and development of young people in weightlifting. She goes the extra mile as a volunteer helping to coach children, organising competitions, sorting accommodation, fundraising and attending competitions. Another example of true hard work and dedication.

SBD Young Para Powerlifter of the Year

Matthew Harding - Matt Harding made it to the international podium in 2022 at the WPPO European Championships, where he secured a gold medal and a 5kg lead on competitors after a 179kg bench.

SBD Young Weightlifter of the Year Award

Myren Madden - Myren is a fantastic young athlete. After a tough year in 2021 Myren showed a fantastic attitude to come back into form. He put a massive effort into key areas of his development and showed a fantastic attitude he can be very proud of to turn 2022 into a great year. He remains one of the best young male prospects in England and Britain after winning English and British age group Championships representing GB at the European Junior Championships and recording multiple British record winning performances.

Sportscover Weightlifter of the Year Award

Sarah Davies - Sarah Davies made it to the international podium in 2022 at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where she brought home a gold medal after totalling 229kg.

Sportscover Para Powerlifter of the Year

Zoe Newson - Zoe Newson had a fantastic 2022 making it to the international podium twice. First at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where she secured a gold medal with a 101kg bench, the first ever para powerlifting gold for Team England at a Commonwealth Games and the only one Nigeria have never secured. Zoe then secured a second gold medal at the WPPO European Championships with a 100kg bench.