St David's day Athlete Q&A with Catrin Jones

Today is St David’s Day, and to celebrate, we are posting athlete question and answers with two of the top Welsh weightlifters.

Next up we have Catrin Jones.

Catrin is currently ranked number 1 in Britain in the women’s 55kg class after securing gold at the 2022 British Championships with a 187kg total. This was an incredible result, only 1 kilogram behind her current best competition total of 188kg which was recorded at the 2021 British Championships, when Catrin snatched 83kg and clean and jerked 105kg.

See what Catrin had to say about training and competing below!

 

How did you get into weightlifting?

I started weightlifting about 9 years ago. I think I saw weightlifting on the television in the London 2012 Olympic Games and decided I wanted to give it a go. My dad, who is also a weightlifting coach, took me with him to the gym one day to give the sport ago and I’ve never looked back really. My dad has been my weightlifting coach since I took up the sport and we have developed a great daughter and father relationship as well as an athlete and coach relationship.

 

Congratulations on some amazing lifting at the British Championships 2022! How are you feeling after securing the gold medal?

Thank you! It is always nice to secure a medal at a competition. I always enjoy competing because it allows me to reflect on my performance and gives me something new to work on and address in my new training block following a competition.

 

How do you stay focussed in a competition environment?

I just try to focus on myself and not on what other athletes are doing. With competition lifts, the snatch and clean and jerk, I try not to overthink the movement patterns of the lifts.

 

Do you have a pre-competition ritual?

Not really no. Food wise I try to eat a banana if I can then I’ll just start stretching about 30minutes before the competition starts.

 

What keeps you motivated to train?

To be the best I can be. I’ve participated in sport since I can remember and I’ve always enjoyed the mental and physical challenge of training and competing.

 

What are your current goals?

Currently, I’m looking and working towards the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham 2022. I’m also hoping to increase my lifting standard within the senior age category and compete at some senior international competitions.

 

Who is your biggest weightlifting inspiration?

I don’t particularly have one person which I look-up to. I’ve been surrounded by so many great weightlifters over the years and I think they’ve all been great role models who have been very supportive of my weightlifting career and development within the sport.  

 

Finally, what would your advice be to beginners wanting to get involved in the sport?

To give it a go and you might be pleasantly surprised with the outcome! I went into the sport of weightlifting without any expectations and it’s now a very big part of my life which keeps me fit, healthy and focused in all areas of my life.