Weightlifting Wales member Joshua Grist has recently come of the back of competing at the Para Powerlifting European Open Championships which took place in Tbilisi, Georgia. Having been selected to be part of the Great Britain squad by British Para Powerlifting for the tournament, there was great belief that Josh could prove his worth in such a high profile event.

Josh took to the platform on Day 1 of the Championships (Friday 6th March), in Group A of the Men’s 49kg category. Josh was the only Rookie (Under 17) competing in Group A, with his fellow competitors in this group all senior athletes. This represented the ability of Josh to make a real impact in this group, despite his tender age.

As the time turned for Josh, he was all ready and delivered an exceptional performance. He went 3/3 in successful lifts for the competition, with initially going comfortably at 128kg and 133kg attempts. Then took his final attempt, 137kg, which was a Rookie World Record attempt. Josh lifted perfectly to the joy of his coach and himself as it was then announced on the speakers that Josh had become a Rookie (Under 17) World Record Holder! Josh then went for a 140kg attempt to extend his Rookie World Record, but unfortunately just missed out for it being a successful attempt.

Therefore, with all of this Josh came out with the following results:
🥇M49 Rookie (U17) Best Lift - 137kg
🥇M49 Rookie (U17) Total - 128/133/137 (398kg total)
🥉M49 Men’s Senior Total 

🌏M49 Rookie World Record Holder
🇪🇺M49 Rookie European Record Holder

A huge congratulations to Josh, and a big well done to all of the British Para Powerlifting performance team in their efforts to support Josh in making such achievements on the European stage. We can’t wait to see the further progressions Josh can make, with a bright future ahead for him in the sport.
 

In other news, Monday 9th March marked the 2026 Commonwealth Day. To celebrate the occasion, Weightlifting Wales Chief Operating Officer, Simon Roach, was excited to be invited to attend the Team Wales Business morning event at Techniquest, Cardiff. The event saw national governing body member sports competing at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games gathered together as the countdown to the Games intensifies, with 136 days until it all starts.

It was a wonderful morning to celebrate Cymru/Wales and the wider Commonwealth community, with Team Wales CEO Rebecca Edwards-Symmons kicking off proceedings by welcoming athletes, schools and partners to the event. Attendees were treated to performances and readings from Tredegarville Primary School and Mount Stuart Primary School, which were expertly delivered.

Various Team Wales athletes were present, including our very own Nikole Roberts and Madeline Connelly who enjoyed the morning activities as representatives of Weightlifting.

The key note speech was delivered by Team Wales Chef De Mission, Gethin Jones to outline the ambition of what Wales can achieve at this years Commonwealth Games, as well as the lasting legacy it will bring the nation. The event closed off with beautiful musical entertainment from Elen Wyn.

A brilliant event put together by Team Wales, and we now look forward to further preparations and media opportunities in the build up to heading up to Glasgow this summer for 2026 Commonwealth Games.