BWL names team for Irish Invitational Para Powerlifting competition

British Weight Lifting (BWL) has selected four athletes to represent Great Britain at the Irish Invitational Para Powerlifting competition on 27 June 2026.

The competition, which also incorporates the Irish National Championships, will take place at the Cork International Hotel in Cork, Ireland.

The team travelling to Ireland is:

• Josh Grist – Men's 49kg
• Ethan Backhurst – Men's 49kg
• Evelyn Thomas – Women's 67kg
• Cassy Malyon – Women's 86kg+

The event gives athletes another opportunity to gain valuable international competition experience as they continue to develop along the performance pathway.

For Ethan Backhurst, the competition will mark his international debut in Great Britain colours.

BWL Lead High Performance Coach Ben Richens said:

"The lifters going out to the Ireland Invitational competition are a group of new and exciting athletes coming through the pathway. Congratulations to Ethan on making his international debut. It's a fantastic opportunity for lifters to experience international travel and perform in this environment.

"We're pleased to have Great Britain represented at this competition and to support what continues to be a growing and important fixture in the competition calendar."

Everyone at BWL wishes the team the very best as they compete in Cork and take a moment to thank UK Sport and the National Lottery for their ongoing support and funding.