GB youth athletes gain valuable international experience in Germany

Eight of British Weight Lifting’s most promising youth athletes recently travelled to Leimen, Germany, for an international training camp and competition experience as part of the GB Talent Pathway.

The group of four female and four male athletes was led by GB Talent Pathway Coaches Amy Kirby-Saunders and Chris Murray. Over five days, athletes trained at the German Weightlifting Federation National Training Centre before competing at the International Junior Battle competition on 25 April 2026.

For every athlete selected, this marked their first experience of international competition. The camp formed an important part of British Weight Lifting’s talent pathway strategy, helping prepare athletes for future youth, junior and senior international opportunities.

The week was designed to expose athletes to the demands of international travel, preparation and competition, while providing experience within a high-performance training environment.

Throughout the camp, athletes completed:

• heavy and technical training sessions
• competition simulation
• individual pre-performance planning meetings
• daily coach-led reviews and feedback
• exposure to international training standards and athlete behaviours

The environment challenged athletes to adapt to unfamiliar facilities, routines, recovery demands and performance expectations, providing valuable insight into what is required to compete successfully at international level.

International Junior Battle competition

The International Junior Battle competition featured teams from Germany, Great Britain, Poland and Slovenia.

Across six platforms, youth, junior and U23 athletes competed in a team-based environment that tested composure, tactical execution and team contribution under pressure.

The competition also provided athletes with an opportunity to achieve the Minimum Qualification Standard for the 2026 European Youth Championships.

Competition results

The week delivered strong developmental outcomes, with all eight athletes achieving competition personal best totals.

• Megan Armitage — 4/6 lifts, 123kg total, Personal Best
• Amber Cruikshank — 5/6 lifts, 136kg total, Personal Best
• Niah Sinclair — 4/6 lifts, 157kg total, Personal Best
• Lily Stanley — 4/6 lifts, 169kg total, Personal Best
• Oliver Brooks — 4/6 lifts, 175kg total, Personal Best
• Alexander Brooks — 4/6 lifts, 226kg total, Personal Best
• Oscar Smith — 5/6 lifts, 244kg total, Personal Best
• Isaac Bluff — 5/6 lifts, 250kg total, Personal Best

Several individual technical, physical and behavioural development priorities were also identified and will now feed into future athlete performance plans.

A special thank you goes to Amy Kirby-Saunders and Chris Murray for their leadership, planning and coaching throughout the week.

Reflecting on the camp, Matt Keogh, Performance Pathway Manager said:

“This week was about much more than medals or rankings. It was about exposing athletes to what international performance really looks and feels like, helping them understand the standards required, and giving them the confidence and experience to take the next step in their journey.

To see every athlete come away with a personal best, and several securing qualification standards for future championships, is a brilliant reflection of their attitude, work ethic and willingness to learn.”

Congratulations to all athletes, coaches, personal coaches and families involved in what was a hugely positive week for the GB Talent Pathway.