Scotland Commonwealth Games team announcement

Congratulations to the six athletes who have been confirmed by Weightlifting Scotland to be attending the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The selection includes para powerlifter Micky Yule, along with weightlifters Alice Aitchison, Agata Herbert, Jodey Hughes, Craig Carfray and Jason Epton. They have all been selected through rigorous criteria and fully deserve their chance to shine at the only multi-sport event in which they can compete for Scotland.

Double European Champion and Paralympian Micky Yule will be competing in the men’s heavyweight category. Micky attended the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, bringing home a bronze medal after lifting 182kg, and recently benched 190kg at the Loughborough Test Event in May of this year.

Alice Aitchison is currently ranked number one in Scotland and third in the UK in the women’s 71kg class. Alice’s best in competition total is currently 195kg, achieved after an 85kg snatch and a 110kg clean and jerk at the 2021 Scottish Open Championships.

Alice said the following on her selection “I am over the moon to have been selected to represent my country! It’s still very surreal and something that I've always wanted! I will take the platform with pride and do everything I can to represent Scotland to the best of my ability! The years of sacrifices are paying off, and I honestly can't wait!! It will be an experience to remember!”

Agata Herbert is top ranked in Scotland and third in the UK in the women’s 76kg category. Agata’s best competition total is 205kg, which she made in the 2021 British Open Series with a 95kg snatch, and a 110kg clean and jerk.

Agata has said on her selection “The first couple of weeks after the Team Scotland announcement have been full of team training and new experiences! This is my first time competing at the Commonwealth Games and I’m really enjoying the process, I’m taking it all in. Leading up to the Games, my diary is packed full of upcoming camps and squad training events with my fellow Scottish weightlifters that I can’t wait to attend. In the background, I’m working hard to stay on track with my personal training targets so that I’m ready to shine on the big platform. I’m having a lot of fun, but I’m keeping my eyes firmly fixed on the prize”

Jodey Hughes is ranked number 1 in Scotland and is second on the national rankings in the women’s 55kg class. Jodey’s best in competition total as a 55kg lifter is 166kg, which she made at the 2022 British Championships, with a 70kg snatch and a 96kg clean and jerk.

Jodey has said on her selection “To earn my spot at Birmingham 2022 just feels incredible. It’s been a really tough couple of years. Training over covid was hard. I was training alone in a small cold, damp shed after working for 12 hours but what got me through was I knew I was l lucky enough to have the equipment at home which was one of the drivers for me. Although the training was tough, I remained consistent throughout and has paid off massively: I will be competing at the games! 

My goals for the games will be to hit a double body weight clean and jerk. I have both of the movements, I just need to put them together. This training block just feels different. My coach Ken Holland has moved to London but he now coaches me remotely which is harder but it works and I’ve invested a lot in mental strength training which I believe will give me the edge I need. I cannot wait to get on that stage. Birmingham 2022 will be incredible!”

Craig Carfray is top ranked in Scotland, and third in the national rankings in the men’s 67kg category. Craig’s best in competition total as a 67kg lifter is 251kg, when he made a 112kg snatch and a 139kg clean and jerk at the 2022 British Championships.

Craig has said on his selection “I am absolutely delighted to be selected to represent Scotland at the games. It’ll be a privilege to represent my country at the highest level. It’s been a long time coming for me as I missed out the last two games. I’m absolutely buzzing to get on the platform in Birmingham and grab my opportunity. Training is going well and everything’s moving in the right direction and I’m counting down the days.”

Jason Epton is ranked number 1 in Scotland and is fourth in the national rankings in the men’s 81kg category. Jason’s best in competition total is 295kg, which he made at the 2021 European Under 23 Championships, where he snatched 132kg and clean and jerked 163kg.

British Weight Lifting would like to congratulate all athletes selected and wish them all the best in training in the lead up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.