Winners Announced: People’s Choice Awards

British Weight Lifting, in partnership with Power Grid Projects, is proud to announce the winners of the first-ever People’s Choice Awards.

This award was created to celebrate the lifters who embody resilience, courage, and determination on the platform. After weeks of nominations and voting from the community, the results are in. Three athletes, one from each category, have been recognised for their extraordinary performances at the British Championships.

Senior Weightlifter: Emma McCready

Emma McCready is no stranger to the British Championships, having competed for over a decade. Throughout her journey, her husband Steven was always by her side, either coaching or cheering from the crowd.

In 2024, their lives were turned upside down when Steven was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour. Emma stepped away from training to care for him, spending his final weeks together in a hospice. The 2024 British Championships at the NEC became especially poignant, as it was the last competition Steven was able to attend.

This year, Emma returned to the same stage with renewed strength. After resuming training in February following a seven-month break, she produced an incredible 195kg total, securing a silver medal. More than a sporting result, it was a performance full of meaning, symbolising both resilience through grief and her enduring connection to Steven.

Reflecting on the moment, Emma shared:

“Weightlifting and Steven are intimately connected for me. Every time my name is called to the platform I think of him. I didn’t know if I would carry on once Steven died, but in less than five months I have done four competitions, building on my total each time. I am so proud of how I have approached and handled this period of my life. I cried on the podium because Steven found it cool when I won medals, but he found it even cooler when I looked happy and confident on the platform.”

Emma’s story is a powerful reminder of the true spirit of this award: strength that goes far beyond the barbell.

Masters Weightlifter: Helen Cooper

Helen Cooper’s debut on the national stage at the British Championships was a moment of triumph. A few years earlier, she underwent shoulder surgery and was told she would not be able to return to weightlifting. Instead of accepting this, Helen committed to her recovery, adapting her training and refusing to give up.

Her journey was complicated further by an elbow injury that created doubts about her lockout, as well as managing the ongoing challenges of Crohn’s Disease. Despite all of this, Helen delivered a strong five-for-six performance, making a 53kg snatch and a 70kg clean and jerk, finishing fourth in her category.

Her nomination reflects not just the numbers she lifted, but the determination and courage it took to step proudly onto the British stage for the very first time.

Para Powerlifter: Sean Clare

Sean Clare’s performance at the British Championships captured the imagination of the lifting community. Despite living with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a progressive eye condition that has changed both his training and daily life, Sean has continued to excel in the sport.

In the build-up to the championships, Sean even trained through a broken thumb. Just one week before the event, he lifted 151kg at the Irish Invitational, a critical Commonwealth Games qualifier. On that occasion, the lift was ruled ‘no lift’ by referees.

Undeterred, Sean came back to the British stage determined to make the lift again. This time, with composure and grit, he pressed the same 151kg and received the all-important ‘good lift’ decision, earning thunderous support from the crowd.

Sean’s story epitomises resilience in the face of adversity, making him a deserving winner of the Para Powerlifting category.

The People’s Choice Awards were created to shine a light on athletes whose performances go beyond medals and records. Emma, Helen, and Sean have each shown extraordinary perseverance, inspiring both the weightlifting community and beyond.

British Weight Lifting and Power Grid Projects would like to thank everyone who submitted nominations and took part in the voting process. The overwhelming response reflected the passion and support within the community, making the selection panel’s role especially challenging.

Matthew Curtain, CEO of British Weight Lifting, commented: “The People’s Choice Awards have given us the opportunity to recognise athletes whose stories reflect the true heart of our sport. Emma, Helen and Sean have shown extraordinary resilience in the face of challenges, and their performances inspired everyone who witnessed them at the British Championships. We’re proud to celebrate their achievements and grateful to the weightlifting community for the overwhelming nominations and support.”

Tom Barber of Power Grid Projects, commented: “We are honoured to support the People’s Choice Awards. These athletes have demonstrated not only incredible strength on the platform, but also remarkable determination in their personal journeys. At Power Grid Projects, we believe in backing people who show leadership, resilience, and grit, and Emma, Helen and Sean are truly deserving of this recognition.”

Congratulations to all three winners for their remarkable achievements and for embodying the sports of weightlifting and para powerlifting.