The two day event held at Strength Academy Wales on the 2nd and 3rd November was extremely well attended by clubs, athletes, their coaches, families and friends from throughout Wales. The organisation of two National events in one weekend, enticed technical officials and referees from around the UK to volunteer at the event and also the opportunity to spend time enjoying the county of Pembrokeshire and it’s wonderful coastline.
A large contingent from Pembrokeshire competed in the Welsh Age Group National Championships and older members of the local organisation competed in the Master Nationals.
Grace Morris, year 8 pupil from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi competed in her first ever event, with goals of building confidence, consolidating technique and to enjoy a positive experience, Grace went onto win Gold and the Welsh U12 title, marked by the referees on technical performance and not the amount of weight lifted.
Cai Owen, Daniel Davies, Lotty Whalley, Seren Mitchell from Haverfordwest High VC performed exceptionally well and all won gold in their age categories. Lotty breaking Welsh records and Dan breaking both Welsh and British records.
Aiden Alfred from Ysgol Milford Haven, enjoyed his first weightlifting event and made excellent improvements and personal bests to gain a silver medal.
Ashleigh Barnikel from Cardiff Met, competed in the under 20 division, making an impressive PB in the Clean and Jerk and also winning the gold medal.
Cai Llewellyn and Kyle Colella from Ysgol Bro Gwaun won silver and gold medals. Kyle making great improvement since his last competition and Cai impressing the coaches with a fantastic introduction into Weightlifting.
From South Pembs Weightlifting Club, based in Pembroke Dock Lexi Thomas won gold along with team mate Mena Williams. Jack Thomas gained silver and Justin Head (junior) competed as a guest. Coaches were impressed by the lifters from Pembroke Dock and how much they had developed.
On the following day, more athletes from across Wales competed in the Master National Championships, with competition organiser Justin Head (senior), winning the over 45’s age category. Sarah Owens and Edwin Shave also lifting big totals in their age categories and further gold medals.
Parents and members from Strength Academy Wales volunteered and worked very hard throughout the weekend in a number of roles supporting the lifters, the many spectators and the smooth organisation of the two day event.
To get involved in Weightlifting in Pembrokeshire and also Disability Powerlifting or Special Olympic Powerlifting please contact Simon.roach@strengthacademy.wales
