Sam Hayer Awarded BEM in New Year Honours

British Weight Lifting (BWL) is proud to announce that Sam Hayer has been recognised by His Majesty The King in the New Year’s Honours with a Medal of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for services to Weightlifting and to the community in the West Midlands.

Sam has dedicated his life to weightlifting in the West Midlands and has positively transformed thousands of lives through his commitment to coaching and community development. His journey in the sport began when, as a teenager lacking confidence and direction, he was encouraged by his mother to start training. The experience changed his life and laid the foundations for a decades-long career in coaching and youth development.

Sam competed at the 1986 and 1990 Commonwealth Games before dedicating himself fully to coaching. Since 2007, he has been Gym Manager at Oldbury Academy, where his facility has become an important community hub that welcomes people of all ages and abilities, including many from underprivileged backgrounds or those facing challenges with confidence, behaviour, or self-esteem.

Throughout his career, Sam has introduced more than 4,000 people to weightlifting and fitness training. His Junior Wellbeing Programme has engaged over 800 primary school pupils, offering positive experiences that improve physical health, self-belief, and personal development. He has coached athletes who have gone on to achieve national and international success and has established a strong regional legacy for para powerlifting by bringing together organisers, spectators, and athletes for regular high-level competitions following the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

Sam’s work extends far beyond coaching technical skills. He serves as a mentor, advocate, and role model whose belief in people often becomes the catalyst for life-changing progress. His philosophy, “Coach for the athlete’s future, not your own,” captures his commitment to long-term development and personal growth. His impact is reflected in the success stories of the many young people he has guided, supported, and inspired.