Weightlifters chase Commonwealth Games dream at World Championships

Scotland’s top weightlifters are gearing up for a major test in Norway that could secure their places at next year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The International Weightlifting Federation’s World Championships, taking place in Forde this October, will be the key qualifying event for athletes hoping to represent Team Scotland on home soil in 2026.

Head coach John McEwan has been putting the squad through their final preparations at Barbell Scotland gym in Clydebank.

“All the athletes have their own personal coaches. They train daily with them – but when it comes to international competitions I take over,” he said.

“This team is now preparing for Norway in just under two weeks’ time. We’ve got a squad of 12 lifters going to the World Championships, all trying to get a place at next year’s Commonwealth Games.

“This is a very young team, but very talented. Participation alone is huge – it gives them experience, and if that leads to medals, that would be absolutely fantastic.”

Sheli McCoy, also known as Sabre on Gladiators Gladiators TV

Among those hoping to qualify is Sheli McCoy – a three-time Scottish record holder who is also known to TV audiences as Sabre on the BBC’s Gladiators.

“I tried my very first competition six, seven years ago and loved the pressure of the platform.

“The weightlifting community was very welcoming, so I decided to do it with more structure and focus. It’s turned into a career and a profession.”

Sheli said preparation extends far beyond the weights room.

“It’s sleep, hydration, fuel, sports massage, physio too. It takes years to calibrate your body and size.

“I think weightlifting is empowering. It’s not just about strength – it requires dedication, passion, structure, skill and commitment.”

Teammate Beth Ashbee, from West Lothian, agrees that recovery and mindset are just as important as physical training.

She is undergoing hypnotherapy, plunge-pool sessions and regular physiotherapy to keep herself competition-ready.

“It’s a lot of work inside and out of the gym – all round,” she added. “When I’m not at training, I’m working with that.

“It’s a big build-up and the Worlds is preparation. Just to get there is an experience.

“I’m really nervous but excited. It’s probably going to be biggest stage in my career.”

The team is currently training hard, focusing on the two key Olympic lifts: the snatch, and the clean and jerk.

Each athlete gets three attempts at each lift during competition. Their best successful attempt in both categories is combined to determine their total score with the highest total securing the win.

Edinburgh-based lifter Agata Herbert said: “Everyone knows what numbers they need to hit on competition day. It’ll be a challenge – but preparation is going well.

“You can see your progress clearly as it’s very measurable. It’s not just about strength; it’s about precision, flexibility, and balance in the movements.

“It builds character, grit, and determination. Since it’s an individual sport, you have to be really self-driven.”