People's Choice Award, powered by Power Grid Projects

The People's Choice Award returns for 2026, giving the British Weight Lifting community the opportunity to recognise the moments that made this year's British Championships so memorable.

Sponsored by Power Grid Projects, the award celebrates three athletes: one Senior Weightlifter, one Masters Weightlifter and one Para Powerlifter. It's about more than results. It's about the moments that captured the spirit of our sports.

Whether it was a comeback, a lift under pressure or a performance that inspired those watching, the People's Choice Award recognises athletes who showed determination, resilience and passion on the platform.

Matthew Curtain, CEO of British Weight Lifting, said:

"The People's Choice Award is a chance to celebrate some of the stories and moments that make our sports special.

While competition results matter, there are also performances that stand out because of the determination, resilience and commitment behind them. These are often the moments that inspire others and bring our community together.

We're grateful to Power Grid Projects for their support of this award. Their commitment helps us recognise athletes whose performances left a lasting impression on the British Championships.

I encourage athletes, coaches, Technical Officials, volunteers and spectators to get involved by nominating the moments that meant the most to them."

How it works

Nominations are open from 18 June to 28 June 2026.

Athletes, coaches, supporters and Technical Officials can submit nominations for a Senior Weightlifter, Masters Weightlifter or Para Powerlifter who delivered a standout moment at the British Championships.

Once nominations close, a panel will shortlist three athletes in each category.

The shortlist will be assessed against the following criteria:

• Grit and determination
• Adversity overcome
• Emotional impact
• Technical execution under pressure
• Crowd reaction and energy

The public will then vote to select one winner in each category.

The prize

Each winner will receive a £500 cash award, made possible through the support of Power Grid Projects.

Award criteria

The award is open for British athletes who competed at the 2026 British Championships. A nominated lift should demonstrate one or more of the following qualities:

Grit and determination

• Exceptional mental resilience
• Overcoming physical or psychological barriers
• Performing despite fatigue, injury or setbacks

Adversity overcome

• Returning from injury or time away from competition
• Overcoming personal, physical or situational challenges
• Delivering when the odds were against them

Emotional impact

• Creating a memorable moment for the athlete or crowd
• Representing a significant milestone or achievement
• Telling a story that resonated with others

Technical execution under pressure

• Demonstrating strong technical performance in a high-pressure situation
• Completing a lift that was critical to their competition outcome

Crowd reaction and energy

• Creating a memorable atmosphere
• Producing one of the standout moments of the Championships

Nominate now

To nominate a moment from the British Championships, email marcom@britishweightlifting.org with the subject line: People's Choice Award

Nominations must include:

• Athlete name
• Category
• Why does this moment meet the award criteria?
• A video of the nominated lift.

We look forward to celebrating the moments that inspired our community.