Glyn student becomes British Weightlifting Champion

A student at Glyn School has been celebrating after becoming Under-17 96kg British Weightlifting Champion.

Ollie Jackson set two new British records at the British Weightlifting 2023 England Age Group Championships in February, achieving a 107kg snatch and 242kg total to win his age category and take home the medal.

The 17-year-old first took up the sport in 2019, before Covid restrictions put a stop to his training. He then returned to the gym in 2021.

And it was Benedict Millson, his coach at Bounce Gym in New Malden, who encouraged Ollie to start competing, and he won his first competition in November 2022, before going on to compete in the British championships and then to win the English.

“There are a group of us from the gym who compete, and without them and my coach, I don’t think I would have got as far as I have,” he said. “The English Championships went far better than I could have asked for, and I was absolutely buzzing afterwards!”

The achievement also gained him an invitation to a British Weightlifting National Youth Squad event, which took place in March at Nottingham University.

“It was a select group of people, about 10 of us from all over the country, ranging downwards from Under-17 to Under-14,” he said. “It was great, and the first step into where I want to be.

“After January, I’ll move up to the Under-20s, which is a lot harder, but I hope I’ll be able to take things further.”

Ollie trains five times a week at Bounce, and has the support of his family as well as his gym buddies and coach.

“I don’t think my dad really understands quite how grateful I am for all he has done for me,” he added, “and my grandad takes a huge interest in what I’m doing. My mum is really proud too.”

He has also found support among his fellow students and the staff at school.

“It’s been great at Glyn,” he continued. “Our headteacher has been very supportive. I’m in a great environment there."