A WARRINGTON-based Great Britain weightlifter has been selected to represent England at the 2026 European Weightlifting Championships, placing him one major step closer to qualifying for this summer’s Commonwealth Games.
Andy Griffiths, who represented Great Britain at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, has been named in the England squad for the 2026 European Weightlifting Championships, taking place in Batumi, Georgia from April 19–26.
The championships are expected to play a decisive role in the Commonwealth Games qualification process. Griffiths must achieve a minimum total lift of 351kg – the standard required to be considered for selection for July’s Games.
“Being selected for the European Championships is a big moment,” he said. “It puts everything into focus. You know exactly what’s required, and you know there’s no margin for error.”
Alongside his own preparation, Griffiths continues to coach at AMG Lifting Lab in Warrington, bringing experience gained at international level back into a local setting.
“When you’ve competed and coached at that level, you understand what safe preparation looks like,” he said. “That mindset feeds into everything we do, whether someone is chasing international selection or just starting out.”
As the spotlight on Weightlifting increases during this Commonwealth year, Griffiths says he is keen to use the momentum to encourage more people locally to try the sport, particularly those who may never have considered it before.
He says, “When people see the Commonwealth Games on TV, they think it’s not accessible. I want everyone in Warrington to know Weightlifting is an option for them, not just elite athletes.”
That local impact is already being seen. Sarah Chester-Nelson, 34, from Warrington, began weightlifting three years ago with no competitive background. Since then, she has gone on to compete in several North West competitions, including events in Liverpool and Blackpool.
“When I first started, competing wasn’t even on my radar,” she said. “It was just about feeling stronger and more confident. With the right coaching, things gradually progressed and I realised I was capable of much more than I expected.”
As part of that approach, AMG Lifting Lab is introducing structured beginner coaching sessions this year, designed to give newcomers a supported introduction to barbell training in small groups.
As the countdown to April’s European Championships continues, Griffiths says the coming months will be defining – both personally and for the sport locally.
“Of course the focus is on qualification,” he added. “But if this journey also helps more people in Warrington feel confident walking into a weightlifting gym, that’s something I’m proud of.”
