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 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. 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 Trebillcock

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. Annabelles 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.