Become a Member Find a Course

The shortlist for the 2026 People's Choice Awards has been confirmed.

From inspirational comebacks and personal milestones to unforgettable lifts and performances that brought the crowd to its feet, this year's nominees have given us plenty to celebrate.

Now it's over to you.

Read their stories below and cast your vote for the athlete who inspired you most at the British Championships. Whether through resilience, determination, outstanding performance or a moment that captured the spirit of our sport, each nominee has shown what it means to find their strong.

Masters Weightlifters

Roly Brading

Strength isn't just about what happens on the platform. Over the past year, Roly Brading has faced one of life's toughest challenges following a bowel cancer diagnosis. Through surgery, chemotherapy and recovery, he continued to coach, support others and remain part of the weightlifting community. His return to the British Championships, where he achieved a competition PB in the snatch, is a powerful example of resilience, determination and finding your strong when it matters most.

Beata Prei-Kowalska

Beata Prei-Kowalska proves that strong has no age limit. After stepping away from weightlifting following the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, she returned to competition more than two decades later. Since then, she's claimed British Masters titles, European medals and records, all while navigating the challenges that come with menopause. Her story is one of persistence, passion and excellence, inspiring lifters of every age and stage to keep raising the bar.

Senior Weightlifters

Catrin Haf Jones

Competing at your best is never easy. Doing it while carrying an injury is something else entirely. For seven months, Catrin Haf Jones has battled a knee issue while continuing her pursuit of Commonwealth Games qualification. Her 108kg clean and jerk at the British Championships showcased not only her talent, but also her grit, determination and ability to deliver when it matters most. It was a lift that brought the crowd to life and captured the determination that defines elite sport.

Noorin Gulam

For Noorin Gulam, this wasn't just another lift. It was the moment years of hard work came together. Needing a result that would secure Commonwealth Games qualification, Noorin delivered under pressure in what was expected to be her final competition before retirement. Beyond the platform, she continues to champion diversity within the sport and create opportunities for others through initiatives that encourage South Asian communities to get involved in lifting. A role model on and off the stage, her story has inspired athletes across the weightlifting community.

Millie Lerwill

Every athlete remembers their breakthrough moment. For Millie Lerwill, that moment came at her first British Championships. After qualifying on the final day of the qualifying period and entering the competition ranked last on entry totals, she rose to the occasion. Her final 71kg snatch secured a perfect three-from-three performance and marked the first time she had successfully lifted red weights in competition. A personal milestone achieved under pressure, it was a moment of confidence, belief and progress on the biggest stage.

Para Powerlifters

Cassy Malyon

Cassy Malyon brought energy, excitement and some huge lifting to the British Championships. Her 115kg bench press was a significant personal best and completed a perfect three-from-three performance. Just as memorable was the reaction that followed, with Cassy's passion and enthusiasm helping to create an unforgettable atmosphere for athletes and spectators alike. A brilliant example of how great performances can lift an entire crowd.

Mattie Harding

Mattie Harding's 206kg bench press was more than a new personal best. It was a statement of progress ahead of the Commonwealth Games. Delivering all three lifts successfully, Mattie demonstrated the consistency, strength and focus needed to perform at the highest level. His performance reflected months of hard work and highlighted the exciting momentum he is building on the road to future success.