How much does it cost to become an Olympic athlete? Equipment, kit, gym, a coach, competitions, travel and time to train. When funding is cut for a sport, it makes an already tough mountain all the more impossible to climb. Emily Campbell is one such athlete who had to self-fund her Olympic career and has gone on to become the only female Olympic medalist in British weightlifting history, winning Silver in Tokyo. Ahead of the Paris Games, she came into the studio to chat to me candidly.

Growing up in a deprived area of Nottingham, Emily’s strength is evident far beyond the bars: overcoming injury, lack of funding, battling racism and perceptions of women’s bodies, she’s always had the unwavering support of her family and community behind her. With her infectious sense of humour, she is a huge advocate for change and inclusive spaces. My mind is suitably blown by the weights Emily can lift, and of course I ask for a little insight into the hijinks of the Olympic village when the competition is over…

Emily will be competing for Team GB on Sunday 11th August 2024 - LET’S GO EMILY!!

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Exec Producer: Jemima Rathbone

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