Medal haul at the Para Powerlifting European Championships 2026

British Weight Lifting (BWL) congratulates its athletes on an outstanding performance at the World Para Powerlifting European Championships, with the GB team delivering an exceptional medal haul, record-breaking lifts, and personal bests across the competition.

17 medals for GB Para Powerlifting: 10 gold, 6 silver and 1 bronze in a standout European Championships performance

Taking place across early March, the Championships saw British athletes compete with distinction against Europe’s strongest para powerlifters, highlighting the continued strength and progression of the GB programme.

The competition began in strong fashion with Finlay Davidson (Men’s 54kg) securing silver in Best Lift and gold in Total, demonstrating consistency across all three lifts.

Josh Grist (Men’s 49kg) delivered a remarkable performance, claiming gold in both Best Lift and Total, while also setting a new European and World Record with a lift of 137kg. Grist also pushed further with a 140kg power lift attempt, underlining his world-class form.

On day two, Olivia Broome (Women’s 55kg) added to the medal tally with gold in Best Lift and silver in Total, continuing her impressive international record. Meanwhile, Sean Clare (Men’s 65kg) battled hard in a competitive field to finish 7th.

Charlotte McGuinness (Women’s 61kg) secured a bronze medal in Best Lift and narrowly missed out on the podium in Total, finishing 4th overall.

Further success followed with Mattie Harding (Men’s 80kg) earning silver in Best Lift, while Alfie Bezance (Men’s 97kg, Next Gen) delivered a standout performance, taking gold in both Best Lift and Total. Bezance also set Next Gen European Records across all three lifts, showcasing exciting future potential.

In the women’s categories, Louise Sugden (Women’s 86kg) claimed double gold, achieving a lifetime personal best of 133kg, while Cassy Malyon (Women’s +86kg) delivered a strong performance to take silver in Total and finish just 1kg outside the bronze medal position in Best Lift.

On the final day, Doaa Shayea (Women’s 67kg) secured silver medals in both Best Lift and Total, adding further consistency to the team’s results.

Rounding off the Championships in style, Mark Swan (Men’s 72kg) produced a dominant display to win gold in both Best Lift and Total, alongside a 220kg European Record lift, and a further 220kg power lift attempt.

BWL congratulates all athletes and coaching staff on a highly successful Championships. The results reflect the dedication and hard work across the Para Powerlifting pathway, from Next Gen athletes through to established international performers.

With multiple European titles, record-breaking lifts, and personal milestones achieved, the GB team continues to demonstrate its strength on the international stage.

BWL would like to thank its partners, including UK Sport, Sport England and the National Lottery, whose continued support enables our athletes to train, compete and succeed on the international stage.