News

British Weight Lifting (BWL) successfully delivered its largest ever national event from 16–17 May 2026, with nearly 300 athletes competing across three platforms at the Telford International Centre during the 2026 British Championships.

Ella Nicholson (USA)

Recognised as an official IWF qualification event for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, the event carried added significance for athletes pursuing qualification and international ranking opportunities ahead of Glasgow 2026.

Jasper Hilton (ENG)

The weekend also marked the first major event delivered under BWL’s newly launched rebrand and visual identity, including the introduction of a new logo and the organisation’s Find Your Strong strategic vision.

Mayor of Telford and Wrekin Eileen Callear, EWF President and IWF Vice-President Dr Astrit Hasani, and BWL CEO and IWF Executive Board Member Matthew Curtain

Alongside athletes from across the Home Nations, the competition also welcomed international guests and delegations, including representatives from the United States of America and Malta. Other guests in attendance included EWF President and IWF Vice President Dr Astrit Hasani, Mayor of Telford and Wrekin Eileen Callear, and ParalympicsGB Chair Dan Brooke.

BWL CEO and IWF Executive Board Member Matthew Curtain said:

“The Championships was about far more than medals and results; it represented an important moment for our organisation as we begin a new chapter under a refreshed identity and long-term vision focussed on growing and modernising the sport at every level. To deliver an event of this scale, while also welcoming international delegations and supporting the road to Glasgow 2026, is something everyone involved should be extremely proud of.”