Saturday 12th September saw the autumn edition of the Home Nations Open brought together athletes from clubs across Wales, alongside competitors travelling from further afield in England and internationally, for a busy day of weightlifting at Canolfan Brailsford Sport Centre, in Bangor, North Wales.

Athletes from Indarra Weightlifting Club and Zaraute KE in the Basque Country as part of the Basque Weightlifting team came over to Bangor to compete alongside the Home Nations lifters, adding an international dimension to the competition day and providing additional opportunities for athletes to compete against lifters from different nationalities. 

To the weightlifting action and cross five groups, athletes battled for podium positions, personal bests, and Tier 2 competition experience, with the event providing another valuable opportunity for lifters at different stages of their development to test themselves on the platform. For this competition, there was an added excitement with the trial of a Grand Prix format, with athletes grouped together according to their announced totals, rather than traditional bodyweight categories. This format was designed to create a more competitive feel to proceedings for an Open competition by grouping lifters of a similar standard together, regardless of bodyweight.

The event also continued the Home Nations Open's role as an important one in the Welsh/British competition calendar, providing athletes with the opportunity to climb up the rankings, set national records, qualify for future competitions, and gain selection for national teams and squads.

The Home Nations Open (autumn) produced a number of impressive performances across both the men's and women's groups. In the opening couple of groups, Grace Griffiths of Strength Academy Wales was one of the standouts through lifting a 97kg total (42kg snatch and 55kg clean and jerk), while there were encouraging performances from under 12 lifters, Nancy Seager of New Wave Weightlifting, and Dylan Harries of Strength Academy Wales, who showed strong technique throughout.

The men’s group two competition saw a particularly strong performance from Ryan Davies, who produced a 95kg snatch and 114kg clean and jerk for a 209kg total, recording the highest Sinclair score in his group at 259.89. Dan Jones of Bangor University Weightlifting Club also impressed, recording an 83kg snatch and 117kg clean and jerk for a 200kg total to secure a silver medal.

One of the standout performances of the women's group 3 competition came from Bethan Harry, who produced an excellent 146kg total, following going 3/3 in successful snatch attempts. in the Women's 57kg category. Her performance saw her finish first in the group and provided one of the strongest performances of the day. There were also strong performances from development squad athletes Poppy James and Camryn Carter who both recorded 127kg totals. 

The other men’s group of the day provided some excellent standard of lifting, in a highly competitive field. Unfortunately Cian Green had to pull out from attempting his clean and jerks due to feeling unwell so we wish him well in getting back on the platform again soon. Aside from this, all other eight athletes in the session recorded a score of over 280 Sinclair points, with Harry Nelms producing the highest total of an impressive 293kg (130kg snatch, 163kg clean and jerk). Coming closely behind in the podium places was strong competition from visiting Basque athlete, Alvaro Jimenez Cano, who lifted a 274kg total from a 120kg snatch and 154kg in the clean and jerk. Welsh national squad athlete Luke Fletcher also produced an impressive performance to come third, recording a 125kg snatch and 138kg clean and jerk on his way to a 263kg total. Guto Hughes of Bangor University Weightlifting Club, and Daniel Davies of Strength Academy Wales also finished with sub 250kg totals.

The final completed group of the competition featured another series of impressive performances. Bethan Watkins of Guardian 6 Weightlifting produced one of the standout totals of the day, recording 189kg from an 83kg snatch and 106kg clean and jerk. Miren Galarraga of Zaraute KE also produced an excellent performance to fall just behind of Bethan in second, with going 6/6 in successful lifts for the day. There were further notable performances from Annie Clay and Georgia Roberts to cap off a fabulous day of competition.

While the results provide a snapshot of the day's performances, the Home Nations Open is about much more than totals and rankings.

For developing athletes, competitions such as this provide the opportunity to experience the pressures of competition, learn how to manage attempts and gain confidence on the platform. Especially within this format of a Grand Prix style, many junior and youth athletes were competing in the same group as senior aged athletes, which provided an added challenge that they all thrived in. 

The event also brings together coaches, officials, loaders, volunteers, clubs and supporters, all of whom play a vital role in making a successful competition possible. Without that wider team, athletes would not have the opportunity to compete and so we send our huge thanks of appreciation to everyone involved. Their contribution helps ensure that athletes across Wales have regular opportunities to compete in a safe, supportive and competitive environment.

Canolfan Brailsford once again providing a fabulous setting for a busy day of competition, with Bangor continuing to play an important role in the Welsh weightlifting calendar. We are immensely greatful for all the venue team for all their help with event setup and being so accommodating to us.

The venue will host further major Weightlifting Wales events later this year, including the Welsh Senior Championships and Masters Open events across the 28 November and 29 November weekend later this year.

Thank you to our funding partners

A huge thank you to the National Lottery players for helping make events like our recent Home Nations Open in Bangor possible.

Through National Lottery funding, as well as funding through the Welsh Government, we at Weightlifting Wales are able to successfully deliver national competitions, creating opportunities for athletes to compete, challenge themselves and continue their development. From emerging lifters taking their first steps on the competition platform to experienced athletes chasing personal bests and national selection, these events provide an important part of the competitive pathway.

The difference that National Lottery players make can be seen every time an athlete steps onto the platform. Their support helps us provide more opportunities, more competitions and more experiences for Welsh weightlifters, while continuing to grow and strengthen our sport across Wales.

We are incredibly grateful for this ongoing support and for the role National Lottery funding plays in helping us deliver our national competition programme.

Diolch to all National Lottery players for making a difference to Welsh weightlifting.