The GB Team, all 216, went, lifted and conquered! Recap from the A/WPC European Championships 2025 in Wroclaw, Poland

We arrived on the Sunday later than expected due to a delayed flight and therefore missed connection.

The team had already started to fly in and we had so many of the team who had nevr done an international before I was a bit “worried”. Those of you who have done internationals with us know I usually do a whole team info thing and so on, most of the old crusties never say thanks and dont usually bother reading any of it, (and then wonder why they get their lifts failed) however this time, people actually watched the video, read the info I put up and frankly for such a young team, there was certainly not the same level of questions as usual and 216 British competitors really very well prepared and ready to go. This made us EXTREMELY PROUD! I must also mention the long suffering coaches who did a wonderful job and had some seriously long days. (appreciation to all those who took the time to say thanks for the pre comp info – that was actually very much appreciated).

The WPC Poland crew had absolutely outdone themselves. The warm up area was full of brand new kit as they had sponsorship from a great Polish manufacturer, they had an expo event centre which had all the mod cons as in huge screen and multiple screens throughout the venue. What was the most amazing was that they had timetables, which generally stuck, give or take a minute or so, which is almost unheard of, apart from, of course US! This was certianly one of the best Europeans in some time and incredibly professional.

I cant name individuals as the list is too extensive plus it would be unfair – but we had World and European records, personal PBs, lifters who were overwhelmed, lifters who had been somewhat challenged the last few years who blew all the past behind them and lifted better than we had seen them in years, people coming back from injuries, one or two unfortunately sustaining injuries which was such a massive shame after all the hard work and of course the lifters that you wonder how they are even lifting at all! Everyone pulled together, and the team was a TEAM. The team kit was everywhere, GB was in the house and it was amazing to see.

On a personal note though, I got to see some of my own friends from all the countries I see every year and have lifted along side for decades, one in particular, Eric Platel, finally hitting a 300kg bench he had tried so long to hit. There was no way I could lift with a 200+ team – so maybe next year.

THANK YOU to all our lifters, thier families, supporters, the coaches and all the people who make the federation what it is and bring excellence to our international teams. We are so very proud of you.