Weightlifting Wales were thrilled to hear of the success of three Welsh lifters at the European Masters Championships in Norway last month.

Three Welsh athletes picked up gold at the competition, all coming from Holyhead and Anglesey Weightlifting and Fitness Centre (HAWFC). The club has a legacy in the sport spanning half a century, and the results in Norway adds to the long list of major honours and continued club success

All three medals came within three hours of the same day (17 June), as Susan Williams, Gwyn Pierce and Ray Williams all topped their categories.

Susan Wiliams won the Ladies’ 60-65 Years 81 KG Bodyweight Class with a total of 95kg. Susan had a brief go at weightlifting in 2004 and only recently returned to the sport. She is now focused on next year’s Europeans in Albania and the Worlds in 2026. "Lifting has been brilliant and I’ve loved every minute of the Norway trip,” she said. “My fellow competitors were so friendly and fully supportive of everyone's lifts.”

Gwyn Pierce was victorious in in the Men’s 65-70 years 55 KG Bodyweight Class after a hard-fought competition, coming out on top with a great series of Clean and Jerks and finishing with a 115Kgs Total.

"I was a little nervous at my first major Championships and was lucky to get my last Snatch to stay in the competition,” he commented. “I made a great series of Clean and Jerks which was fantastic. Standing on the Top of a Podium is something I would not have dreamed of a year ago. Weightlifting is a great way to keep fit and meet new friends; I would recommend it to everyone, especially people over 50 years of age.”

Finally, Ray Williams rounded of the golden haul as he won the 65-70 years 73 KG Bodyweight Class, beating the Swedish former champion. "I had a year plagued with injury so was happy to lift the Gold,” he stated. “Thanks to Barry Eaton, our Coach, and Danny Heafy, our Physio, for great support prior to and during the European Championships!”

Ray went on to say:

“Ageing is inevitable but growing old is a choice, so my challenge to all the ‘oldies’ in Wales is a simple one – dust off your lifting shoes and get training again! You will not lift as much, but you will really enjoy the Masters. The standards are getting higher every year; join the Masters revival!”

Weightlifting Wales is delighted with the success at the recent European Masters, and would like to offer a huge congratulations to all who travelled.