British Para-Powerlifters Make History in Paris

The 2024 Paris Paralympics were nothing short of spectacular for British para-powerlifting, as our athletes left everything on the platform, securing podium finishes, personal bests, and delivering unforgettable performances.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on their incredible accomplishments and the hard work of the dedicated team behind them.

Zoe Newson – The ever-consistent Zoe has done it again! Adding a silver medal to her bronze from London 2012 and Rio 2016, Zoe’s journey continues to inspire. In Paris, she lifted her way to the podium in the women’s up to 45kg category, proving that she remains one of the sport’s brightest stars.

Mark Swan – Silver medallist in the men’s up to 65kg category, Mark delivered a stunning 213kg lift, continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in para-powerlifting. Mark’s hard work and consistency have earned him numerous titles, and we’re thrilled to see him achieve success on the Paralympic stage.

Olivia Broome – Adding another bronze to her collection, Olivia lifted 119kg in the women’s up to 50kg category. Her perseverance and determination are clear for all to see, as she continues to build on her Tokyo 2020 success. Olivia’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence, and we are beyond proud of her achievements.

Charlotte McGuinness – In her Paralympic debut, Charlotte finished 4th in the women’s up to 55kg category. From a gym in the Yorkshire Dales to competing on the world’s biggest stage, Charlotte’s journey has been awe-inspiring. With her sights set on Los Angeles 2028, we’re certain she’ll continue to thrive. Hats off to Charlotte and her support team for such a fantastic first showing at the Games.

Liam McGarry – In the men’s over 107kg category, Liam McGarry finished 5th, showcasing his immense strength and determination. Overcoming countless challenges along the way, Liam’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Mattie Harding – Another 5th place finish came from Mattie in the men’s up to 80kg category, where he achieved a personal best of 200kg. Mattie’s continued progress and his dedication to pushing his limits have been phenomenal. Huge congratulations to Mattie for his stellar performance on the world stage.

Louise Sugden – After shoulder surgery and competing in a new weight class, Louise finished 5th in the women’s up to 79kg category, lifting a personal best of 132kg. From wheelchair basketball at Beijing and London to powerlifting on the Paralympic stage in Tokyo and Paris, Louise’s resilience is inspiring. We couldn’t be prouder of her achievements.

Behind every lift, there’s a dedicated team of coaches, staff, and supporters. Tom Whittaker, our Paralympic Performance Director, summed up the significance of these performances:

"It is a very special time for the sport in Great Britain. This group have taken on the growing standards set by the teams in Rio and Tokyo and moved the level and therefore expectation on again with performance across the board that inspired and demonstrated outstanding commitment and skill. To repeat 3 medals in Paris with a new and larger team is testament to the athletes’ endeavour and the talented support team who work tirelessly to add value and accelerate potential."

Tom’s words highlight not only the athletes' remarkable achievements but also the dedication of the coaches and support staff who make it all possible. Special thanks go to Lead High Performance Coach Ben Richens, and Pathway Development Coach Connor MacDonald, whose expertise and guidance have been instrumental to the success in Paris.

We also want to recognise the vital contributions of our Head of Mental Health & Performance Psychology, Hugh Gilmore, who ensures our athletes are supported mentally as well as physically.

A massive thank you to Katie Collis, Deputy Team Leader and Performance Support Lead, for keeping our athletes in top condition throughout this intense competition. We couldn’t have done it without your care and expertise.

Finally, we’d like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Meghan and Sarah from UKSI, who have been instrumental in our athletes’ nutrition and performance lifestyle support, ensuring every detail was covered.

As Tom said, "We are grateful and humbled by the funding and abundant support the team have received over the last several years, months, and weeks. Now we turn the ship around and move towards the next, LA 2028." 

These accomplishments would not have been possible without the continued support from our sponsors and partners. Thank you wholeheartedly to UK Sport, National Lottery, Sport England, UKSI and all our partners for your unwavering support. You help make these dreams a reality.

Here’s to our athletes, coaches, and the entire support team behind them—together, you’ve made history. Onwards and upwards to even greater heights!