Emily Campbell is the most successful modern British weightlifter, a four-time European Champion, Commonwealth Games gold medallist, and a double world and Olympic medallist. She made history at the 2021 European Championships becoming the first British weightlifter to win golds across all three disciplines since 1988 and went on to win medals at the Olympics in 2021 and 2024. Determination, resilience, and passion have defined her sporting career. Emily’s journey of overcoming adversity, breaking barriers in sport is an inspiration and she is an advocate for diversity, body positivity, and empowerment.
Her rise to the top was anything but conventional. Starting in a sport with no official funding, Emily climbed the ranks through sheer hard work and perseverance. After securing her first English Senior Championship title in 2017, she quickly made a name for herself on the international stage, finishing fourth at the Commonwealth Championships and winning bronze at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. By 2019, she had claimed a European Championship bronze, setting the stage for a career-defining performance at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, where she lifted an astonishing 161kg in the clean and jerk to win silver.
The past few years have only solidified her legacy. In 2022, she won gold at both the European and Commonwealth Games, setting a new Commonwealth record and carrying the England flag with pride at the opening ceremony. Despite a knee injury and back problems in 2023, she made a remarkable comeback in 2024, securing her fourth consecutive European title before taking bronze in Paris, becoming only the sixth person in British Weightlifting history to win an Olympic medal. As an Athlete Representative on the British Weight Lifting Board of Directors, she is committed to shaping the future of the sport and increasing representation at all levels.
Emily is not just a champion on the platform - she is an advocate and role model, whose vision extends beyond competition, Emily aims to open a youth and development gym to empower the next generation. Whether addressing businesses, schools, or sports organisations, she delivers an inspiring message of perseverance, leadership, and self-belief, making her an in-demand speaker for those looking to redefine success.
