Teenagers lift Sunderland to glory at national championships
“Our young people have worked incredibly hard, and to see them perform on a national stage is something really special,” says a proud weightlifting coach as Sunderland teenagers brought home national medals.
Four young athletes from the city competed at the British Weightlifting English Age Group Championships, in Birmingham, as part of a wider national success for community weightlifting clubs working together through the Applied Learning Network.
The lifters, who train at Weights & Cakes CIC in Southwick, were part of a group of community-based clubs from across the UK competing at the championships. Collectively, the Applied Learning Network clubs secured an impressive 16 medals at the event, highlighting the power of collaboration in grassroots sport.
Leading the Sunderland charge was Charlie Conlin, 14, from St Aidan’s Catholic Academy, who won gold with a superb total of 151kg.
*Mason Bailey, 16, from Park View School, claimed bronze after lifting a strong 155kg total.
*Olivia Butler, 14, from St Anthony’s, also stepped onto the podium with bronze, lifting a total of 115kg.
*Completing the medal success, Emily Maw, 15, from St Robert’s, secured bronze with an impressive 118kg total.
The English Age Group Championships are one of the biggest events in the calendar for young weightlifters, attracting competitors from across the country.
Head coach Zoe Chandler said:“Our young people have worked incredibly hard, and to see them perform on a national stage is something really special.
“They were brilliant ambassadors for Sunderland. Being part of the Applied Learning Network also means they’re learning and developing alongside other great community clubs, and the collective results this weekend show just how powerful that approach can be.”
The Applied Learning Network, set up by Zoe Chandler and Dave Hembrough, brings together community weightlifting clubs to share knowledge, raise standards, and create better opportunities for young athletes across the UK.
Zoe added:“This isn’t just about medals, it’s about confidence, teamwork, and giving young people positive pathways through sport. Sunderland should be really proud of what these athletes have achieved, watch this space.....there's more to come.”
One of the only weightlifting clubs in the area, the name Weights & Cakes is based on the mental health benefits of weightlifting, with people encouraged to have a cuppa, cake and chat after their sessions.
Over the years, the club has grown to all ages and is now based on the upper floor in The Kings Road, Southwick.