Weightlifting Wales is delighted to congratulate Weightlifting Wales member, Russell Willey, on his selection as an International Technical Official for Para Powerlifting at the upcoming Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games later this month.

Russell's selection is a significant achievement and recognises his extensive experience, professionalism and longstanding commitment to officiating at the highest levels of the sport. His selection to officiate at one of Para Powerlifting’s most high-profile event reflects not only his individual expertise, but also the strength and quality of technical officials developed within the UK.

Russell has extensive experience as an athlete within Para Powerlifting, with first starting out in the sport in 1980 after first of all trying wheelchair Athletics. He went on to represent Great Britain at the Sweden Cup in 1982 and first became British Champion in 1983, where Russell remained British Champion until retiring from lifting in 2002. During Russell’s International career, he became World Champion 3 times (1987, 1990 and 1991) and European Champion twice (1993 and 1997). But, his biggest achievement came from represented Great Britain at 5 Summer Paralympic Games -from 1984 to 2000, with a best Paralympic Games result being 4th in Barcelona in 1992.

Over many years, Russell has made an outstanding contribution to both para powerlifting and weightlifting, supporting our own national competitions across Wales, through to major international championships with World Para Powerlifting. His technical official journey started back in 2018 after being invited to join the preparations of the Welsh Para Powerlifting Team as a mentor for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Having really enjoyed that experience Russell decided to look at becoming a technical official. 

His dedication to maintaining the highest technical standards and experiences as a former elite athlete himself has earned the respect of competitors, coaches and fellow officials across the UK and beyond.

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will bring together some of the world's best para powerlifting athletes, and Russell will play an important role in ensuring the competition is delivered fairly, safely and to the highest international standards. The action begins on Friday 24 July with a powerful statement as the first medal of the Games will be awarded in Para powerlifting. The Para powerlifting events will be split into two sessions on 24 July – the first 13:00-16:00 and the second from 18:00-21:00. The competition will take place at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) Armadillo.

Everyone at Weightlifting Wales extends their warmest wishes of good luck to Russell ahead of travelling over to Glasgow for the Games in a few weeks’ time. This news serves as an inspiration for others looking to develop their own officiating journey within Wales for both para powerlifting and weightlifting.