British Masters Championships 2023

The British Masters Championships took place between 3-5 March at Bangor University. The event was organised by Bill Barton, Chris Baker and British Masters Weightlifting.

There was some great lifting and many British Masters records broken and British Weight Lifting would like to extend our congratulations to everyone who took part.

Maggie Lynes, BWL Head of Events, and Eddie Halstead, BWL Competitions Manager attended the event and commented on the quality of the competition and athletes’ ability.

Maggie has commented “The facilities at Bangor University were fantastic and the event ran extremely well, the staff were helpful and it was a great weekend of competition. We are hosting our upcoming BUCS Championships at the same venue so it was good to see how the British Masters put their competition together.”

Eddie commented “The competition was a great showcase of Masters athletes strength and technique. Lots of British records were broken which was lovely to see.”

Holly Baker, BWL Technical Official, competed at the Championships, gaining a gold medal for her performance in the women’s 35 81kg category. Holly attained a British records for her clean and jerk of 83kg and total of 145kg.

Holly commented “I really enjoyed myself this year! It is always a bonus for me when I get to employ both sides of my weightlifting personality, as both TO and athlete.

There was some exceptionally strong lifting all weekend and it was amazing to watch and referee. I'd like to give a big shout out to Chris, Bill and the Masters committee for organising another well run competition.

Masters competitions always have a really welcoming atmosphere and we have a lot of fun; although everyone is intensely competitive, we all just want to see each other succeed.
Last year I took gold in the 87kg category against myself, so to have close competition in the 81kg category this year felt like there was more at stake and gave me a little extra push to attempt bigger numbers; and of course I am really happy with my PBs and new records! Training now begins in earnest for the European Masters Champs in May!”

Bryn Jones, Mytholmroyd athlete and 2022 European Masters Champion, competed in the men’s 60 96kg category and set two new British records with his performance. Bryn snatched 86kg, then went on to set a clean and jerk British record of 113kg, giving him a record total of 199kg.

Bryn commented on the growth that the British Master’s Championships has seen. “It was a great weekend event. It’s a real weightlifting community. The growth is staggering and to see so many women and men competing and continuously raising the bar and standards. British records were being smashed all weekend. Loved being a very small part of such a supportive, motivational and enthusiastic community.”

Krys Campbell, three-time British Masters Champion, equalled her previous British snatch record at the Championships and set new clean and jerk record in the women’s 35 87+kg category. Krys snatched 80kg and clean and jerked 102kg for a 182kg total.

Krys spoke about the community created by the British Masters.  “I’ve been a British Master’s weightlifting competitor for over 3 years and it’s always been an amazing experience. The community and the support they give you is unmatched. Feels good to be British Masters Champion and record holder for the third time.”

David Steel, Scottish weightlifter, had a fantastic performance in the men’s 35 102k category. David set triple British records with his 131kg snatch, 170kg clean and jerk, and 301kg total.

David spoke about being able to be strong at any age. “It was amazing to have the chance to compete against other Masters athletes. It was a brilliant competition allowing lifters to showcase what they can do and prove you can be strong at any stage in life.”

Clare Dane competed in the women’s 35 55kg category and secured a gold medal with her performance. Clare snatched 54kg and clean and jerked 67kg for a 121kg total.

Claire had a rave review of the competition, and Masters weightlifting in general. “It's a truly well run event. I met so many people who have been volunteering for many years to put together the championship and they really try to make improvements every year and it shows. Master’s weightlifting is so supportive and it's a wonderful vibe knowing the whole room is cheering you on. 10/10 would recommend being old and doing weightlifting”

Visit the British Masters website here

Thank you to James Baker for the below images from the event.