Two young athletes have been selected for the British team heading to Rio.
Team GB announced. British weightlifters Rebecca Tiller and Sonny Webster will make their Olympic debuts in Rio de Janeiro. Teenage sensation Rebecca Tyler will compete in the women’s -69kg category, while 22-year-old Sonny Webster will fly the British flag in the men’s -94kg category.
Tyler, 17, from Keighley, West Yorkshire, is set to be one of Team GB’s youngest athletes at this summer’s Olympics. She set two British records at the recent British Championships and will compete as the reigning British Champion. She also won a gold medal at the Youth Commonwealth Games. Sonny Webster is likewise the current British champion, finishing fifth at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and is also the British Under-23 record holder.
Regarding his decision to participate in Rio, Tyler commented:
“I’m so excited and honored to be representing Team GB in Rio this summer. It’s a dream come true and something I’ve wanted since I started playing the sport. The next few weeks of preparation are so important…I’m 100% focused on being in the best possible shape for Rio.”
Bristol’s Webster similarly commented:
“The Olympics are definitely the biggest stage for the sport. I have been training well and my recent performance at the British Championships has given me a great foundation. Preparation for the next few weeks will be crucial.”
Former popular female athlete Zoe Smith has been removed from running after dislocating her shoulder. at last month’s British Championships. In an Instagram post today, Smith expressed his disappointment at not being able to represent Team GB in the competition, but wished Tyler the best of luck at the Summer Games.
British Weightlifting Performance Director Tommy Yule expressed his pride in the selection of Tyler and Webster. In a statement, Yule praised their recent progress and personal best efforts in recent national and international competitions, saying: All coaching focus will now be on giving them the best chance of doing well in Rio.
Great Britain won seven medals in Olympic weightlifting: one gold, three silver and three bronze. The most recent victory was in 1984 in Los Angeles by David Mercer.
The 2016 Olympics will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from August 5th to 21st.
