Weightlifting Wales is delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah Jones to the board as a Non-Executive Director, having previously being an external advisor to Weightlifting Wales as part of the performance group. Sarah joins the board at an exciting time for organisation, as it moves into the next phase of its strategy cycle, coinciding with the growth in membership numbers and continued national success on and off the platform.

Sarah brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Weightlifting Wales across numerous avenues. First of all, as a double Olympian and Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist, Sarah has been a high-performance athlete on the biggest stage, representing both Great Britain and Wales in hockey. Throughout her career, she played in three Commonwealth Games and six EuroHockey Championships, cementing her place as one of Wales' most accomplished athletes. Beyond her playing career, Sarah has seamlessly transitioned into a sports leadership role, now serving as Head of Talent at British Fencing. In this role, she is pioneering innovative talent pathways for athletes across Olympic and Paralympic disciplines, ensuring sustainable growth and performance excellence within the fencing.

Sarah’s influence extends beyond British Fencing. She is a dedicated advocate for inclusion in sport, serving as a Hockey Wales Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) Board member, a member of the Team Wales Athletes’ Commission, and an ambassador for the EuroGames 2027. The EuroGames, Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ multi-sport event, will be hosted in Cardiff, and Sarah’s involvement is instrumental in promoting inclusivity in competitive sport.

With a strong background in athlete development, talent pathways, DE&I, and strategic leadership, Sarah is well-equipped to support the continued growth and success of weightlifting and para-powerlifting in Wales, and is sure to make a valuable addition to the Board. Her appointment reflects the organisation’s commitment to strengthening athlete pathways, broadening inclusivity, and driving forward high-performance strategies. 

Weightlifting Wales Chair, Joanne Calvino, welcomes Sarah to the board, by commenting:

“Sarah’s appointment is a fantastic addition to Weightlifting Wales. Her expertise in elite-performance sport, athlete development, and DE&I aligns perfectly with our goals for the future. We look forward to working together to enhance opportunities for athletes at all levels and strengthen our strategic direction.”

The board, staff, and wider weightlifting community extend a warm welcome to Sarah and look forward to the impact of her leadership and insight in shaping the future of the sport in Wales.