Strength Academy Wales was proudly represented at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with three members of the SAW community contributing to Team Wales and the sport across athlete, technical official and leadership roles.
Charlotte “Lotty” Whalley made her Commonwealth Games debut for Team Wales in the Women’s 63kg category.
Competing on one of the biggest stages in the sport, Lotty produced a personal best Clean & Jerk as part of a composed performance in her first Games. At just 22 years old, Glasgow represents another important step in her development and international career, with plenty more to come.
Stephen Donovan represented Wales as an International Technical Official, marking his third Commonwealth Games following Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022.
A highly experienced Category 1 International Technical Official, Stephen has supported weightlifting at international, national and local level for many years. He is also a valued volunteer at both SAW and WW, regularly giving his time to support competitions and the development of the sport.
Simon Roach, SAW Founder, attended in his leadership role with WW, marking his seventh Commonwealth Games. His first Games was Kuala Lumpur in 1998, beginning almost three decades of involvement supporting Welsh athletes and weightlifting at Commonwealth level.
Glasgow also marked another significant milestone, with Simon elected to the Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation Executive Board for the 2026–2030 term during the CWF Congress held alongside the Games.
Away from the competition platform, it was fantastic to see Lotty’s family and members of the SAW community travel to Glasgow to support her and the Welsh team. Their support added to what was a very special Games for Lotty and everyone connected with SAW.
Having members of the SAW community represented across athlete performance, officiating and leadership within the sport, alongside family and members supporting from the stands, reflects the wider community that sits behind the Academy.
Everyone at SAW is incredibly proud of Lotty, Stephen and Simon and congratulates all three on representing Wales in Glasgow.
