Meet the Staff

The Chief Operating Officer leads the day-to-day running of Weightlifting Wales, overseeing staff, operations and strategic delivery. They ensure that governance, funding, partnerships and performance systems are in place to grow the organisation, develop programmes and support members across Wales.

They are responsible for driving organisational development and aligning operations with strategic goals to ensure long-term sustainability and impact.

As part of this role, the Chief Operating Officer also serves as the organisation’s Lead Safeguarding Officer and Anti-Doping Lead, ensuring high standards of athlete welfare and regulatory compliance.

Simon has an unprecedented passion for Weightlifting and it’s development in Wales. He is fortunate to have been involved in the sport for over 30 years, both as a competitor and coach, while being delighted to have represented Wales at 5 Commonwealth Games in both coach and team manager positions. Following a successful career in teaching, it is now a pleasure for Simon to develop all aspects of this great sport in our principality as the Chief Operating Officer of Weightlifting Wales.

Email: Simon.roach@weightlifting.wales

The Head of Governance and Compliance ensures that Weightlifting Wales operates to the highest standards. They lead on policies, risk, equality, data protection and regulatory compliance, while supporting the board, sub-committees and staff with robust governance processes and frameworks.

As part of this role, the Head of Governance and Compliance also acts as the organisation’s Deputy Safeguarding Lead and Equality Lead, helping to embed inclusive, safe practice across all areas of the sport.

After 20+ years of involvement in Weightlifting as a competitor, and following on from 7 years as the Business Support Officer for Weightlifting Wales, Hannah has now moved into the role of overseeing Governance and Compliance.

Hannah will aim to ensure that the organisation is operating ethically and appropriately, protecting and supporting our members, managing risks to the organisation, removing barriers to participation, and promoting our sport far and wide.

Hannah's passion for Weightlifting motivates her to do her best for the sport and it’s dedicated lifters, clubs, coaches, staff and volunteers, so that we can all enjoy and benefit from its many positive opportunities. 

Email: Hannah.powell@weightlifting.wales

The Club & Community Officer works directly with clubs and delivery centres across Wales to increase participation and strengthen the Weightlifting and strength community. They support new clubs, help develop inclusive programmes, support grassroots coaches and share best practices to grow opportunities in local communities.

Prior to working at Weightlifting Wales, Christie had worked in sport and the health and fitness industry for 10 years, off the back of attending the University of South Wales and received a 2:1 in BSc Strength and Conditioning. 

She also used to be an international athlete in athletics, competing in the 100m and Javelin before taking up Weightlifting. This is where in Weightlifting Christie worked her way up to represent Wales on the international stage, competing at 2 Commonwealth Games and earning a Commonwealth Bronze medal.

In her role as Club and Community Officer, Christie would like to provide guidance and assistance to clubs in developing a community for all to enjoy participating in Weightlifting.

Christie is currently away on maternity leave till mid 2026.

Email: christie.williams@weightlifting.wales

Tom is currently the Club and Community Officer as maternity cover for Christie Williams up until April 2026.

Tom has made the following comments about being in the role:

"I'm really excited about this role as it links Weightlifting Wales with the coaches, clubs and communities who are engaging daily in weightlifting. We have some exciting projects to deliver which will help clubs link closely with their local communities as well as gaining feedback as to how we can improve weightlifting in Wales for coaches and athletes.  

I'm aiming to continue creating a supportive network where best practice is shared and new relationships are formed."

The Head Coach provides expert coaching leadership at national and international level. They mentor developing pathway coaches, support athlete progression and lead squads through training camps, development programmes and major competitions including the Commonwealth Games and international events.

Gareth is one of Wales's most successful ever Weightlifters. As a 3 times Commonwealth Games competing athlete, Gareth's most successful Games when he won a gold medal for Wales at Gold Coast 2018. He competed at numerous European and World Championships, with multiple British Championship victories, and was also was part of the Team GB squad at the London 2012 Olympics. Gareth is now proudly helping to inspire and nurture the next generation of talent as the current Weightlifting Wales National Head Coach.

The Performance Pathway Manager role leads the athlete development system for Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting in Wales. They design inclusive pathways, manage training and international competition programmes for elite and developing athletes and collaborate with coaches, partners and performance teams to help athletes thrive at every stage. This is to ensure a holistic approach to developing athletes so that they have the physical, emotional and psychological skills to thrive in elite sporting environments and beyond.

In this role, Christian also leads on selection policies and supports the Performance Sub-Group to ensure the pathway is strategically aligned.

Christian has worked within elite sport for the last 9 years, as a chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist, including Premier League academies, British Judo and a variety of talent development programmes. All of these experiences in psychology and performance have been brought into supporting the development of talent within Weightlifting Wales.

Email: christian.pszyk@weightlifting.wales

The Business Support Officer provides essential administrative and communications support to keep Weightlifting Wales running smoothly. From financial reporting and membership systems to managing social media, coordinating national events and supporting day-to-day operations, they ensure the organisation stays connected, efficient and well-organised.

As someone with a huge passion for sport, Jake is delighted to be the Weightlifting Wales Business Support Officer. While having previous experience working in the European Taekwondo Championships 2022 and Rugby League World Cup 2021, as well as internships at England Squash and Tranmere Rovers Football Club as part of his Sports Business undergraduate degree, Jake is looking bringing his skills and knowledge over to the development of Weightlifting in Wales.

Email: admin@weightlifting.wales