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18 February 2025

Wales is set to be represented in the 46th European Small Nations Weightlifting Tournament in Malta

Weightlifting Wales are pleased to announce that we have been invited and will be attending the Small European Nations Tournament in Malta this coming March. This is an excellent opportunity for additional international experience and development across our age groups.

Weightlifting Wales is excited to announce its participation in the prestigious 46th European Small Nations Weightlifting Tournament, which will take place in Malta from the weekend of March 22nd to 23rd, 2025. This event, held at the Marsa Sport Complex, is an annual competition that brings together athletes from smaller European nations to compete in one of the most exciting weightlifting tournaments in the continent. It’s also a momentous occasion, as this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Malta Weightlifting Association.

The European Small Nations Weightlifting Tournament is a significant event in the weightlifting calendar, where athletes from nations with smaller populations come together to compete in a range of categories. This tournament serves as a unique opportunity for our Welsh athletes to gain invaluable international competition experience, forge connections, and elevate the level of competition in nations that may not have as many high-profile opportunities as larger countries. 

In preparation for the tournament, Weightlifting Wales outlined a comprehensive selection policy to ensure the representation of athletes who meet specific eligibility criteria and performance standards, which can be found on our Qualification and Selection page on our website Qualification and Selection. The selection process included:

  • Eligibility Criteria: Athletes must be eligible to compete for Wales, either by birth, descent, or continuous residency. They must also be current members of Weightlifting Wales and comply with anti-doping regulations.

     

  • Qualification Standards: Athletes are required to achieve specific performance standards in approved competitions during the qualification period from January 1st to December 31st, 2024. This includes participation in at least two approved competitions, with one being a Tier 2 event or higher.

     

  • Age Categories: The tournament features various age categories, including senior and youth, with this competition serves as a development platform, focusing on athletes with limited international experience.

From this, a maximum team size of 7 (including one reserve) has been selected for the competition. The majority of the athletes selected have never competed at an international event before, so we can't to see the progression of those heading out to Malta, helping them gain the experience needed in competing at the highest levels. The full list of athletes selected are as follows:

  • Emily Baron
  • Isla Travers
  • Nyarai Hector
  • Oliver Godwin
  • Lllewellyn Waits
  • Daniel Davies
  • Madaline Connelly (reserve)

Weightlifting Wales is committed to providing athletes with opportunities to compete at international levels, fostering development and excellence in the sport. Participation in the European Small Nations Weightlifting Tournament aligns with this commitment, offering athletes valuable experience and exposure. We look forward to seeing how our youthful Welsh team compete on the international stage in what is sure to be a brilliant experince for every single one of them.