Two of Weightlifting Wales rising stars, Charlotte Whalley and Chloe Hood, proudly represented Team Wales on Day 5 (Tuesday 28 July) of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, producing determined performances against some of the strongest lifters from across the Commonwealth. 

First up we had Charlotte Whalley in the afternoon Women's 63kg category session. Twenty two year old Lotty stepped onto the Commonwealth Games platform for the first time in the Women's 63kg competition, earning an impressive 8th place finish against an exceptionally strong field that included reigning Commonwealth champion Maude Charron of Canada. Within her fantastic performance include a Personal Best Clean and Jerk lift. Lotty embraced the opportunity on one of the biggest stages in the sport, gaining invaluable experience against a high-quality international field and dealing with the surroundings of a big audience at the brilliant SEC Armadillo venue.

Lotty lifted an 82kg snatch, and then started strong with a comfortable and successful 100kg first Clean and Jerk attempt, A 104kg second attempt was the task for Lotty up next, and she delivered it perfectly to the excitement of all the crowd and joy of Lotty as she knew she had hit a Personal Best on one of the biggest of stages. A 106kg third attempt at the Clean and Jerk just fell short, resulting in a 186kg total.

The Haverfordwest lifter has enjoyed great progression in recent years and today showed great composure throughout the competition, continuing her development at senior international level.

Later in the evening, fellow Pembrokeshire athlete Chloe Hood stepped onto the platform in the Women's 69kg competition. Competing in her first Commonwealth Games also, Chloe delivered another proud performance for Team Wales, coming away with a 190kg total (85kg snatch, 105kg clean and jerk), and 9th placed finished. This included going 5 from 6 in successful lifts for the competition whilst looking tremendously assured and confident on such a big stage. An area which Chloe thrived in and enjoyed every single moment out there, relishing the opportunity to compete against some of the Commonwealth's strongest athletes while proudly wearing the Welsh badge.

Chloe has been consistently performing at a strong national level over the qualification period, especially given she has had recent injury struggles with a dislocated knee when she showed enormous courage on her recovery. Her selection for Glasgow 2026 reflected years of commitment and progression through the Weightlifting Wales performance pathway and a willingness to learn on this journey.

We're incredibly proud of both Charlotte and Chloe. Representing Wales at a Commonwealth Games is a huge achievement, and both athletes handled the occasion with professionalism and determination. These experiences are invaluable and will play an important role in their continued development.

Everyone at Weightlifting Wales looks forward to supporting both athletes as they continue their international journeys and build towards future success for Wales.