The first ever virtual British championships is scheduled for November 2020 and will replace the postponed 2020 British Championships with a one-off virtual competition. Open to Senior and Masters weightlifters, this event will take place on 28-29 November and crown champions in all ten bodyweight categories, and in all Masters age groups.

British Weight Lifting can confirm that following a review of the recent government guidance relating to Covid security measures, gatherings and spectators, unfortunately it has not been possible to plan a physical event at this time.

Over the past few months we have worked hard to consider the possibility of a physical event taking place whilst ensuring the safety of our volunteers, lifters and staff, which has always been our number one priority. This has included questionnaires to spectators, lifters and Technical Officials to gauge interest and a review of possible venues to allow for more space to social distance and set up multiple platforms.

Unfortunately at this time a physical national-level event is highly unlikely without further change to government advice around indoor sporting events. Future changes to guidance clearly cannot be guaranteed and it would inevitably lead to major disruption if a physical event were to be postponed or cancelled at short notice.

After much consultation, we believe a virtual event offers the best solution to provide lifters and coaches across the UK the chance to train towards a definite competition date with minimal risk of disruption to their preparations.

Although far from BWLs original plans for the 2020 competition season, this move to virtual is an exciting opportunity for BWL members to compete in a first-of-its-kind event in the UK, with the chance to win national medals. We believe providing this competition in a virtual format means that lifters can continue to train with purpose and aspire to progress towards the 2021 competition season.

This competition is planned to be a virtual-live event, with lifters competing in real time at a specific date and time. This is different to the British Age Groups and Virtual Open Series which have used pre-recorded video clips.

Please note that due to the competition taking place virtually, the 2020 English Championships has now been cancelled.