Meet the Staff

I have an unprecedented passion for Weightlifting and it’s development in Wales. I am fortunate to have been involved in the sport for over 30 years, both as a competitor and coach. I have been delighted to represent Wales at 5 Commonwealth Games in both coach and team manager positions. Following a successful career in teaching, it is now a pleasure to develop all aspects of this great sport in our principality.

Email: Simon.roach@weightlifting.wales

I am the Business Support Officer for Weightlifting Wales. I am very passionate about the sport, having been a lifter myself for over 18 years. I studied Sport Science at Bangor University before starting my employment with Weightlifting Wales in 2017. Alongside my academic and working life I have competed for Wales and Great Britain.

It is a pleasure to contribute towards the development of the organisation and to be part of a team that aspires to involve as many people as possible in our sport, so that many more people can enjoy the benefits for years to come!

Email: Hannah.powell@weightlifting.wales

I have worked in sport and the health and fitness industry for 10 years. I used to be an international athlete in athletics, competing in the 100m and Javelin before taking up Weightlifting 8 years ago. I have been lucky enough to compete at 2 Commonwealth Games and have a Commonwealth Bronze medal.

I attended the University of South Wales and received a 2:1 in BSc Strength and Conditioning. My role at WW is the Development Manager. I would like to develop the talent squad and provide education on UKAD, technique and health and wellbeing. I would like to provide guidance and assistance to clubs in developing a community for all to enjoy participating in Weightlifting.

Email: christie.williams@weightlifting.wales

As both the Events Manager and as an athlete, I aspire to create more competition opportunities for the Welsh calendar. I want to bring fresh ideas and create a more competitive environment, facilitating the progression of the sport within Wales. As someone with a passion for the sport and competition, I want to increase participation; amongst the existing body and those outside it. Sport is for all; creating a space for all to excel with equal opportunities is incredibly important to me.

Email: harry.nelms@weightlifting.wales

I have worked within elite sport for the last 8 years, as a chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist, including Premier League academies, British Judo and a variety of talent development programmes. I am looking to bring my experience of psychology and performance into supporting the development of talent within Weightlifting Wales.

This includes supporting the pathway for athletes to transition into the Senior squads, and to ensure a holistic approach to developing athletes so that they have the physical, emotional and psychological skills to thrive in elite sporting environments and beyond.

As someone with a huge passion for sport, I am delighted to be the Weightlifting Wales Business Support Officer as maternity cover for Hannah Powell.

While having previous experience working in the European Taekwondo Championships 2022 and Rugby League World Cup 2021, as well as internships at England Squash and Tranmere Rovers Football Club as part of my Sports Business undergraduate degree, I look forward to bringing my skills and knowledge over to the development of Weightlifting in Wales.

Email: admin@weightlifting.wales