People Have Spoken: Meet Your 2026 People’s Choice Award Winners

British Weight Lifting is delighted to announce the winners of the 2026 People’s Choice Awards, as voted for by the BWL community. Following an inspiring British Championships, members were invited to celebrate the athletes whose performances, stories and achievements captured the spirit of our sport.

From remarkable resilience and career-defining moments to outstanding performances on the platform, this year’s winners represent the very best of weightlifting and para powerlifting.

Masters Weightlifting Winner: Roly Brading

Roly Brading's story is one of determination, resilience and perspective. Following a bowel cancer diagnosis, Roly faced surgery, chemotherapy and recovery while continuing to support others through his coaching and involvement in the weightlifting community. His return to the British Championships was marked by a competition personal best in the snatch, a moment that demonstrated the strength required both on and off the platform.  

Voters recognised Roly's inspiring comeback and the example he has set for lifters across the country. His journey is a reminder that strong looks different for everyone.

Roly commented "Receiving the BWL People’s Choice Award is a huge honour. My journey back to competition after cancer treatment was one of the hardest challenges I’ve faced, but having weightlifting to focus on gave me something positive to work towards throughout my recovery.

The goal of getting back on the platform, competing again and ultimately representing Great Britain at Masters level was a driving force during some very difficult periods. Training gave me structure, purpose and something to look forward to, even when progress was slow.

One of the most meaningful moments of that journey came when I competed at the European Masters Championships on the second anniversary of my cancer diagnosis. To be standing on a competition platform, and subsequently on the podium, exactly two years after being told I had cancer, was something I could scarcely have imagined when I began treatment.

I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who supported me along the way, my family, friends, coach (Nataly Priscepa), and everyone in the weightlifting community who encouraged me to keep going. To have that journey recognised by the people within our sport is genuinely humbling.

I hope my story can show others going through difficult times that having something to work towards, however small at first, can make a real difference. For me, that something was weightlifting. It gave me purpose during my recovery and ultimately helped bring me back to the platform."

Senior Weightlifting Winner: Noorin Gulam

Noorin Gulam claimed the Senior Weightlifting award after delivering one of the standout moments of the British Championships. Competing under pressure, Noorin secured the result needed to achieve Commonwealth Games qualification in what was expected to be her final competition before retirement.

Beyond her achievements on the platform, Noorin continues to champion diversity and inclusion within weightlifting, helping to create opportunities for more people from South Asian communities to experience the sport. Her impact reaches far beyond competition day and has inspired athletes throughout the weightlifting community.

Para Powerlifting Winner: Mattie Harding

Mattie Harding was the clear choice in the Para Powerlifting category following an exceptional performance at the British Championships. His 206kg bench press personal best and perfect competition performance showcased the consistency, strength and focus that have become hallmarks of his lifting.  

With the Commonwealth Games on the horizon, Mattie's performance highlighted the progress he continues to make and the exciting future ahead. It was a lift, and a performance, that captured the attention of both voters and spectators alike.

Matthew Curtain, Chief Executive Officer at British Weight Lifting, said:

"The People’s Choice Awards celebrate more than medals and records. They recognise the stories, moments and achievements that inspire our community and showcase what it means to find your strong."

"Congratulations to Roly, Noorin and Mattie on being voted this year’s winners. Each has demonstrated outstanding commitment, resilience and determination, and their achievements have inspired athletes, coaches and fans across our sport."

Thank You for Voting

British Weight Lifting would like to thank all members who took part in the vote and helped recognise the incredible performances and stories from this year's British Championships.

British Weight Lifting would like to thank Power Grid Projects for their valued support of the 2026 People’s Choice Awards. Together, we're recognising the athletes whose determination, resilience and achievements inspire others and strengthen our weightlifting and para powerlifting community.

Congratulations once again to Roly Brading, Noorin Gulam and Mattie Harding, your 2026 People’s Choice Award winners. Their achievements remind us of the power of sport to inspire, connect and bring communities together.