BRITISH weightlifters performed superbly at the Eleiko International Women’s Grand Prix in Austria last weekend, where they were competing against some of the best athletes from countries across Europe.
For many of the athletes, the Eleiko Grand Prix was a great chance for some good competition ahead of the British Championships next month, with lifters from Slovakia, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary and Ireland in action.
Great Britain won the overall team prize, while Natasha Perdue was named best weightlifter overall based on the Sinclair points system.
The Leeds-based Welshwoman lifted 91kg in the snatch and 110kg in the clean and jerk, giving her a total of 201kg which was comfortably enough for victory in the 69kg class.
Helen Jewell finished second overall on Sinclair points, lifting 79kg in the snatch and 104kg in the clean and jerk for a 183kg total. Jewell, who lives in Leeds but is from Devon, also set a new personal best by 4kg in the 63kg class.
In the 48kg class, Hannah Powell recorded new personal best lifts in the snatch, clean and jerk and total, setting new British records at both Junior and Under-23 level with a snatch of 60kg and a clean and jerk of 78kg for a 138kg total.
“I’m really pleased with the performance from all the girls,” said Performance manager Fiona Lothian. “There were some good consistent performances, and to compete in events like this can only help them get used to a competitive environment.”
Crystal Palace weightlifter Jo Calvino won the 53kg class, snatching 66kg and lifting 91kg in the clean and jerk to total 157kg. And in the same category Genesis London club member Laura Hague totalled 90kg.
St Mary’s Weightlifting Club’s Emily Cushion took third in the 58kg category with a total of 137kg, while Genesis member Vicki Kerr totalled 128kg for fifth.
While Jewell won the 63kg class, her team-mate Emily Godley took third with a total of 170kg. But Shila Panjavi of the Stars of the Future Club could not make a good snatch despite three brave attempts.
