Volunteers Week: Insight from Former GB International Jennifer Maysmor-Gee

Volunteers Week is an event running throughout this week to showcase the fantastic efforts being made across the sporting community. We caught up with Former GB International Jennifer Maysmor-Gee to get her thoughts on the positive aspects of volunteering.

How did you initially get involved in the sport?   

“I was introduced to the sport by George Manners. I had gone to see him to do bodybuilding and he said 'you don't want to do that, try this'. Which was of course weightlifting. I came 3rd in my first comp, London regionals after 6months of training and I was hooked from there on until now. Represented GB at European and World Championships, had British Championship title and English Native title. It has been a very rewarding experience.”

What do you enjoy most about weightlifting?  

“Competing, making friends at home and abroad, socialising and traveling.  Visited many countries as a lifter representing GB and England.”

What do you think are the main benefits of volunteering?   

“Getting the opportunity to give back to the sport what I have learnt from my time as a lifter.  To be able to share my experiences and support others. Learning new things about the sport from a different perspective as a Technical Official. Meeting new people and staying involved with the sport.” 

How have you found the virtual competitions and webinars?  

“The virtual competitions have been a great way to keep lifters motivated and engaged with the sport. It gives the lifters the opportunity to lift in any competition without having to travel too far. As they are lifting on familiar platforms it may also bring out the best of the lifter.”

What are you most looking forward to weightlifting-wise after lockdown restrictions ease?    

“Meeting in person and watching some live lifting.”

In terms of BWL events what would you like to see more of in the future?  

“Keeping some comps virtual so people don't have to travel too far to compete and giving them the opportunity to qualify for tier 1/2 competitions.”

What advice would you give to someone who was new to the sport, but wanted to get more involved?   

“Join a club and do competitions.”

You can also check out our Technical Official spotlight earlier this week with Weightlifting Scotland’s Technical Official Liaison Richard Tawse here.