The Pembrokeshire Weightlifting team based at Strength Academy Wales sent 7 Weightlifters to compete in the Welsh Open Championships this month.
Under the careful eye of Simon Roach (Sports Director for Weightlifting Wales) and Justin Head (Weightlifting Regional Development Officer for Pembrokeshire) the team competed exceptionally well.
James Hart, age 16 qualified for the British U17’s – he was successful in all 6 lifts.
Craig Nelson – Pembrokeshire’s Swimming coach, new to the sport and lifted with great commitment in his first National event.
Niamh Roach age 16, qualified for the British U17’s and U20’s
Milly Lacey qualified for British U20 and U23
Naomi Pearce gained Personal Bests and qualified for the British U20 and U23 and Welsh Seniors
Helena Madan gained an impressive Silver medal
Chloe Hood 14, broke Welsh records in age groups from U14 to U20. She has Qualified for the British U15, U17, U20 and U23 and gained a Silver medal. Chloe currently holds 26 Welsh records.
Simon Roach stated, “I am delighted with the teams achievements throughout, 2015. All members of the team are training hard towards various competitions, International’s and personal goals in 2016. Should be a really exciting year”
Summary of 2015……
Team SAW is a group of Youth (U17) & Junior (U20) Weightlifters who compete as a team in the National Weightlifting League and also compete for Team SAW in the Welsh and British Championships. Some SAW lifters have also progressed through the National Governing Body pathways and are now members of the Welsh Talent Squad. These lifters have also met high qualification standards and been selected to represent Wales in various International championships.
The team trains 4 to 5 times per week. Team members support and encourage each other through very demanding physical Weightlifting sessions. There is also a good social element to the SAW squad.
The team has four lifters in the Welsh Talent Squad (Alex John, Chloe Hood, Anita Madan, Naomi Pearce) and others very close to being selected.
Alex John, Chloe Hood, Anita Madan & Naomi Pearce have gained National representation – competing for Team Wales in events such as the ‘Junior Battle’ Austria and the Celtic Nations – In both Scotland and Ireland.
The team has gained many medals at Welsh and British competitions (In 2015 - 11 medals Welsh Schools (10 Gold). 5 medals British Schools. 1 medal British U23’s. 1 Medal Welsh Seniors).
And also medals on the International stage (2015 International medals - 2 silver medals, 1 bronze)
Many members of the team also hold current National records (41 Welsh Weightlifting records currently held by team members)
Some team members train recreationally to gain the health benefits from Weightlifting – lifting sessions at Strength Academy Wales are open to all and all Weightlifting age groups.
Strength Academy Wales will be hosting the Welsh Schools Weightlifting Championships at Sir Thomas Picton Sports Centre on the 23rd January, please feel welcome to come and support a large group of Pembrokeshire Weightlifters.
You can learn more about Weightlifting in Pembrokeshire @ www.strengthacademywales.com