Stellar line up for 2023 WPPO World Championships

British Weight Lifting (BWL) is pleased to announce a team of thirteen incredible athletes for the upcoming World Para Powerlifting (WPPO) World Championships.

The Great Britain para powerlifting team is ready to make a resounding impact at the upcoming World Para Powerlifting World Championships, scheduled to take place from 22 – 30 August 2023, in the vibrant city of Dubai. With an extraordinary group of talented athletes and dedicated coaching staff, the team is set to make their mark on the global stage.

First up for the men's team is the promising young talent, Finlay Davidson. Recently talent scouted by British Weight Lifting in collaboration with Neil Crosbie at the Sport Scotland Institute, Davidson will be making his international debut at the championships, showcasing his raw potential and determination in the junior men's 49kg class.

Sean Clare, a seasoned athlete who clinched a well-deserved bronze medal at the 2022 European Championships, will be competing in the 59kg class.

Joining him in the same weight category is Tom Smith, a previous Junior world champion who claimed the title at the 2021 World Championships and will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with.

Mark Swan, an exceptional world class lifter, boasts an impressive resume as the 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medallist, European record holder, and the reigning 2022 European champion in the fiercely competitive 65kg class.

In the 72kg class, the spotlight shines on Mattie Harding, who secured the 2022 European Championship title and recently took home a bronze medal at the 2023 WPPO World Cup, highlighting his formidable skill set.

Liam McGarry, competing in the 107+ class, brings his previous successes to the world stage, including a fourth-place rank at the 2022 European Championships, a fifth-place finish at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and a remarkable top-seven performance at the 2021 World Championships.

The women's team is equally impressive, led by the seasoned Zoe Newson in the 45kg class. With a wealth of experience as a triple Paralympian and bronze medallist at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics, Newson was also a silver medal winner at the 2021 Worlds, gold medallist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and is  a double European Champion.

Charlotte McGuinness, competing in the 55kg class, demonstrated her exceptional abilities by securing a silver medal at the 2023 WPPO World Cup, showcasing her potential to shine on the world stage.

Olivia Broome, a 2020 Paralympic Bronze medallist and 2021 World Championships silver medallist, will represent GBR in the 50kg class. Broome also claimed a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, solidifying her position as a strong contender.

Kim Dean, who previously represented the Isle of Man at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, will compete in the 61kg class. Dean captured a silver medal at the 2023 WPPO World Cup and is determined to make her presence known.

Rebecca Bedford, an athlete with exceptional skills, secured sixth place at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and claimed the title of 2022 European Champion in the 61kg class. Additionally, Bedford earned a silver medal at the 2023 WPPO World Cup, highlighting her consistent performance on the international stage.

Doaa Shayea, competing alongside Bedford and Dean in the 61kg class, will be participating in her second international competition. Shayea previously ranked fourth at the 2022 European Championships and earned a bronze medal in the total category, showcasing her potential for success.

Louise Sugden, a highly decorated and seasoned athlete, will represent GBR in the 86kg class. Sugden, a 2020 Paralympic bronze medallist and 2018 Commonwealth Games silver medallist, will undoubtedly bring her experience and unwavering determination to the championships after a lengthy lay off post shoulder surgery.

Behind the scenes, the team will be supported by an exceptional staff line-up. Tom Whittaker will lead the team as Team Leader. Coaches Ben Richens, Connor MacDonald, and Neil Crosbie will provide expert guidance and support to maximize the athletes' potential. The team's physio, yet to be confirmed, will ensure the athletes are in top physical condition.

With such a formidable team, the GBR para powerlifting team is primed for success at the World Para Powerlifting World Championships.