GB Para Powerlifters Shine in Tbilisi!

The 2024 Para Powerlifting World Cup in Tbilisi, Georgia, from 20 June to 26 June, saw Great Britain’s para powerlifters deliver outstanding performances in the last qualifier for the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

Tom Whittaker, Paralympic Performance Director, stated, "This competition was electric with nearly all GBR athletes matching or delivering personal bests under pressure. This last qualifier had the world's elite competing for a top 8 slot and automatic invitation to the games later this summer. After such positive performances, we hope to take a strong team to Paris, which will be a reward in itself for several years of hard work and commitment from the athletes and their support teams."

Women's Team Highlights:

Zoe Newson: Zoe secured a silver medal with lifts of 98kg and 100kg in the up to 45kg category. Her performance has moved her to 4th place in the Paris 2024 Paralympics rankings.

Charlotte McGuinness: Competing in the up to 55kg category, Charlotte achieved lifts of 99kg and 104kg, finishing 5th overall. Notably, she set a 4kg personal best.

Olivia Broome: Olivia earned a bronze medal in the Women's 55kg category with successful lifts of 114kg, 118kg, and a personal best of 119kg, which matched her previous personal best.

Rebecca Bedford: In the Women’s 61kg category, Rebecca lifted 99kg and finished 7th overall.

Louise Sugden: Competing in the up to 79kg category, Louise achieved a personal best of 128kg, finishing 4th overall and moving to 7th in the Paris rankings.

Men's Team Highlights:

Mark Swan: Mark delivered an impressive performance, winning gold in the Men’s 72kg category with lifts of 205kg, 213kg, and a personal best of 217kg.

Matthew Harding: In the Men’s 80kg category, Matthew set new personal bests with lifts of 194kg, 195kg, and 196kg, finishing 4th overall and regaining a top 8 ranking.

Liam McGarry: Competing in the Men’s 107+ category, Liam achieved lifts of 231kg and 232kg, finishing 5th and regaining a top 8 ranking. Both lifts were personal bests.

Coaching and Support:

The team was supported by coaches Tom Whittaker, Ben Richens, and Connor MacDonald, along with physio Tass Amaridis. Their expertise and commitment were instrumental in preparing the athletes for this crucial competition.

Acknowledgements:

We extend our gratitude to UK Sport and the National Lottery for their unwavering support. Their contributions have been vital in helping our athletes reach their full potential and perform at the highest levels.

The performances in Tbilisi highlight the dedication and hard work of our para powerlifters. Each athlete’s effort brings us closer to Paris 2024.

Congratulations to all our athletes and their support team! Keep pushing forward!