BWL Talent Transfer Program

The Talent Transfer Programme has been designed to identify athletes with potential from various sporting backgrounds. The aim of the programme is to provide a small group of talented young athletes aged 14-22 with a 2-year accelerated introduction into the sport of weightlifting.

Through this two year period, the athletes will:

• Learn the key fundamentals behind the correct techniques involved
• Learn how to effectively execute the Olympic lifts and derivatives
• Learn how to complete strength and conditioning work that compliments weightlifting training
• Attend training camps at the national centre in Nottingham every 8 weeks
• Take part in several mock and official BWL competitions
• Gain access to the BWL education platform and complete the Complete British Weightlifter Level 1 and 2 courses, receiving certification at the end
• Learn the key skills and attributes that make a top weightlifter

The process starts off by filling in the Talent Transfer Application Form, from this, athletes will be invited to a testing day at our National Centre and there will be a follow up day for those who are successful.

1. Athletes fill out an application form (deadline 11 August 2023)
2. Our performance team will review the applications and invite selected athletes to a testing day. Successful athletes will be contacted on 18 August 2023.
3. The testing day will take place at Nottingham University on 26 August 2023.
4. After the testing day, our performance team will select athletes for the Talent Transfer programme, with successful athletes being invited to follow up day on 7 October 2023.

Apply here

Deadline for applications: 11 August 2023

Successful athletes will be contacted on 18 August 2023.

Any further questions, please contact:

Talent Transfer Lead Rhod Thomas 07758498823

Email rhod.thomas@britishweightlifting.org

Madison Farley will be making her international debut at the 2023 European Weightlifting Federation (EWF) Junior and Under 23 Championships, having transferred to weightlifting just nine months ago.

1. What sport did you do before weightlifting?

I have done competitive sports since I was younger, Gymnastics, Trampolining and then CrossFit which has weightlifting within.

2. How did you find out about weightlifting?

I learnt about weightlifting through CrossFit which I had picked up when some of my family had started at our local CrossFit gym. I got hooked quickly with the competitive aspect and all the new skills to try and perfect, one of which was weightlifting. 

3. What made you switch to weightlifting?

Weightlifting quickly became my favourite part about CrossFit. I used to excel at the weightlifting workouts at competitions but fell short in the other aspects so they had become my main focus in training. I soon realised that I only wanted to work on weightlifting and see how far I can push myself. 

4. How have you found the talent transfer programme so far?

Working with the BWL Coaches through the Talent Transfer Programme has really benefited in all aspects of training and how to approach competitions. I’ve been able to learn more about competitions and the best way to prepare for them, ways to approach training better and overall ways to become a better weightlifter. 

5. You recently set a British record at the England Age Group Championships, how did it feel to make the lift?

It was so much fun to hit a record within England Age Groups, and it was even more exciting for me as it was under my Personal Best C&J. So I know I can lift heavier at the next competition and beat my record. 

6. Congratulations on your recent selection to the EWF European Juniors and Under 23 Championships! To give people an idea of what it takes to go to an international, what does your training look like at the minute?

Thank You! 

Training has started ramping up, it has been steady the last month due to an injury so I have been slowly building up the training. I’m really enjoying my training leading up to this competition. The weights are now creeping up to my PBs which is a nice confidence booster leading into the EWF European Juniors and U23 Championships. With this being my first international, my focus is to perform the best I can and see where the starting point is to progress from in the future at many more international competitions.