Team England has announced 14 weightlifters and seven Para powerlifters set to represent the home nation at this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

The team consists of athletes with previous Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games success – including the likes of Emily Campbell, Zoe Newson, Jack Oliver, Louise Sugden, Zoe Smith and Olivia Broome – alongside Generation 22 athlete, Chris Murray. The athletes will look to ‘Bring it Home’ at The NEC  from Saturday 30th July to Thursday 4th August.

This summer, Team England will comprise of over 400 athletes in total, all of whom will look to capitalise on the once in a lifetime opportunity to bring home success in their own country. The weightlifters and para powerlifters announced to represent Team England are:

Weightlifting:

·       Andy Griffiths, Warrington

·       Ben Hickling, Eastbourne

·       Chris Murray, Guildford

·       Cyrille Tchatchet II, Walsall

·       Deborah Alawode, Hanwell

·       Emily Campbell, Alfreton

·       Emily Sweeney, Ellsemere

·       Fraer Morrow, Doncaster

·       Gordon Shaw, Johannesberg

·       Jack Oliver, Pontefract

·       Jaswant Shergill, Birmingham

·       Jessica Gordon-Brown, Harefield

·       Noorin Gulam, Hayes

·       Zoe Smith, London

Para Powerlifting:

·       Liam McGarry, Kent

·       Louise Sugden, Maidenhead

·       Mark Swan, Seaham

·       Olivia Broome, Chorley

·       Rebecca Bedford, Yoxall

·       Zoe Newson, Colchester

·       Matt Harding, Wirral

Speaking on her excitement to represent Team England, para powerlifter Louise Sugden said “I’m buzzing and really happy to be selected to represent Team England again. I’m so excited at the fact that there is going to be a crowd for one and it’s a home crowd which is really special. I competed at London 2012 [in wheelchair basketball] and it was like having an extra person in the team. Having the home support is going to be the extra bit that we need to get those lifts in.”

Speaking to Team England on being selected to compete at a local home Games, Cyrille Tchatchet II said “I am delighted and privileged to be selected to represent Team England at the Commonwealth Games. It is nearly 8 years since I last competed at the Commonwealth Games and I cannot wait to take another shot for a Commonwealth Games medal. Birmingham 2022 will not only be a home Games for me, but it will also be a "local Games" as I live in Walsall and work less than 10 minutes away from the Sandwell Aquatics Centre.”

Team England’s Chef de Mission, Mark England OBE, welcomed the athletes to the team: “It’s a privilege to welcome our weightlifters and para powerlifters to Team England for the home Games this summer. The team has experience and talent in abundance. I’m hopeful that we’ll see success and I’m excited to watch them compete as they aim to ‘Bring It Home’ in Birmingham.”