Weightlifters Shine at 2024 IWF Youth World Championships in Lima

Great Britain’s young weightlifters have made us proud at the 2024 IWF World Youth Championships in Lima, Peru.

Competing over the weekend were GB record holder Phoebe Davis and top-ranked GB weightlifter from Scotland, Maddie Rosher.

Both athletes delivered solid performances on the international stage. Kristian McPhee, Lead Pathway Coach, highlighted: "Despite both athletes balancing exam periods and sporting success, the performances in Peru have set them up to build into the European Youth Championships in June."

Phoebe Davis, competing in the 59kg Group A, made her debut on the international stage and secured a 9th-place finish. Phoebe successfully lifted 72kg on her first snatch attempt. Unfortunately, despite attempting 75kg twice, she was unable to secure the bar overhead during the recovery.

In the clean and jerk, Phoebe continued to demonstrate her abilities. She confidently lifted 81kg on her first attempt. According to McPhee, after her first clean and jerk attempt, "Phoebe’s strength began to fatigue and she was unable to stand up with 83kg to secure 7th place." With another year at youth level and a focus on strength, Phoebe hopes to build her way into the medal zone next year.

Maddie Rosher’s performance in the 71kg A Group concluded with a PB of 191kg (+5kg PB) and the qualification total for the European Juniors. Maddie's opening snatch began with an over-excited effort resulting in a missed attempt, but she regained her strength for the second attempt at 85kg.

Rosher excelled in the clean and jerk, successfully lifting 103kg and 106kg on her first and second attempts, respectively. Her performance earned her a well-deserved 6th-place finish. McPhee stated: "Maddie will be looking to build on competition experience and build her strength into the European Youth Championships where she hopes to be fighting for a medal."

According to the coach, "Both athletes have just touched upon their potential and are leading the way for the future of GB weightlifters with the strongest youths in Britain heading out to Thessaloniki next month."

The athletes were accompanied by their coaches, Kristian McPhee, Lead Pathway Coach, and Amy Kirby-Saunders, whose guidance and support were instrumental in their performances. We also want to thank UK Sport for their unwavering support, which has been crucial in enabling our athletes to compete at such a high level.

Congratulations to Phoebe Davis and Maddie Rosher for their performances! Their experiences on this international stage will undoubtedly propel them to even greater heights in their weightlifting careers.