Weightlifting has become an Approved Sport in UKAF

British Weight Lifting are delighted to have received Approved Sport status from the Armed Forces on 21 May 2021.

The recent announcement is a big step forward for the sport of weightlifting. Approved Sport status means that the sport has become a recognised sport within the Armed Forces, allowing members to compete as an Armed Forces team and be eligible for selection as part of British Weight Lifting’s Talent ID programme.

“I’m absolutely thrilled and so proud of the team effort on this long journey to establish RAF WL. We started with broom handles on a cricket pitch at BRIZE Norton and 3 years later look what we have achieved.”

James Roden

Sqn Ldr / 1 Gp STAR SO2 Policy / C130 2 Gp StanEval Pilot Examiner

“This huge step forward greatly increases the requirement to qualify more coaches, in order to offer opportunities to all interested and grow Weightlifting. In addition, this also offers the opportunity to personnel leaving the Military to gain industry recognised qualifications as part of their resettlement journey. The partnership between UK Armed Forces Weightlifting and BWL continues to go from strength to strength and we are hugely grateful for all BWL’s support.”

WO2 (QMSI) Chris Williams RAPTC

Army and UKAF Weightlifting Performance Manager

British Weight Lifting offer our congratulations on this achievement and we look forward to working in partnership with the Armed Forces. Ashley Metcalfe, CEO of British Weight Lifting said, ‘It’s been a journey to get to this point and we’re extremely happy to have weightlifting registered as an Approved Sport. We look forward to furthering participation in weightlifting in partnership with the Armed Forces.’

If you have further questions please get in touch with zoe.metcalfe@britishweightlifting.org