Weightlifters Selected for Birmingham 2022
Commonwealth Games Scotland has today announced that Alice Aitchison, Agata Herbert, Jodey Hughes, Craig Carfray and Jason Epton have secured their places at this summer’s Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Jodey Hughes from East Kilbride returns to the Team Scotland squad, having made her Commonwealth Games debut at Gold Coast 2018 placing 9th in the 58kg category. Jodey took silver in the 55kg event at the British Championships earlier this year and is aiming for medal success in the same category at this summer’s Games.
Commenting on her selection Jodey said “I don’t think I’ve ever wanted something so much in my life. This has been all I’ve been thinking about for the last four years. I’ve literally dreamed about this moment over and over in my training, and to have achieved this goal feels surreal.
“The most wonderful thing about competing in Birmingham is that it is commuting distance for my Scottish family and friends. The competition is going to be amazing. This is my second Games, so I bring plenty of experience with me. I can’t wait and I’m going to just take every moment in.”
Jodey will be joined in Birmingham by Commonwealth Games debutants Alice Aitchison in the 71kg category, Agata Herbert in the 76kg and Craig Carfray in the 67kg events, who all claimed bronze in their respective categories at the British Championships in January.
Alice Aitchison, who trains in Broxburn said: “It’s hard to put into words the sense of pride I feel getting to represent Scotland on the platform in Birmingham this year. I can’t wait to get to the Games and making the team definitely makes up for the sacrifices I have made to be where I am.”
Agata Herbert, who is originally from Poland but now calls Edinburgh home said “The last two years brought unusual challenges for us all and it has personally been a huge test of commitment to persist with my training when gyms were not always available.
“Through perseverance and support from my coach and close network, I am thrilled to be representing Scotland – my adopted mother country – at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. I can’t wait to lift with the team on the big platform!”
Craig Carfray, who narrowly missed out on selection for Glasgow 2014 and Gold Coast 2018 is delighted to make it third time lucky in the West Midlands this summer “It will be an honour to represent my county at the Commonwealth Games. I had the disappointment of missing out in Glasgow and Gold Coast, so I am absolutely buzzing to get on that platform and compete. This is my time to shine.”
Jason Epton, who represented Team Scotland at the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games will compete in his first senior Games this summer in the 81kg category. Commenting on his selection he said “I am honoured to Scotland at the Games. But the hard graft doesn’t stop there though, and I am absolutely buzzing to get the chance to be on that platform, wear the Saltire and do my country proud!”
Team Scotland Chef de Mission, Elinor Middlemiss said “I am thrilled for Agata, Alice, Jodey, Craig and Jason that they have secured their place at Birmingham 2022. Weightlifting is always an exciting and thrilling sport to watch, and it is great to see a mix of experience in the team. I am sure everyone in Scotland will get behind them when they take to the platform and cheer them on to success this summer.”
Weightlifting will take place at the NEC Precinct in Birmingham between 30th July and 3rd August 2022.