Behind the Barbell at the 2025 Rogue Invitational

Join To The Bar behind the scenes at the 2025 Rogue Invitational in Aberdeen as LuxiaoJun UK's media team, capturing Colten Mertens and the world's strongest.

A Front-Row Seat to Strength History

To The Bar takes you beyond the platform and into the heart of the action. In this landmark episode, hosts Aaron Holt and Jess Roebuck-Slaney deliver an immersive debrief from the 2025 Rogue Invitational in Aberdeen, Scotland, where they served as the official media team for LuxiaoJun UK. Experience the electrifying atmosphere of the P&J Live arena from a unique behind-the-scenes perspective, capturing the grit and glory of the world's strongest athletes.

The Aberdeen Stage: A Fitting Arena for GiantsThe hosts set the scene for an unforgettable weekend of competition.A Scottish Strength Sanctuary: The episode opens by painting a picture of the event's home at the P&J Live arena in Aberdeen, Scotland, a venue that provided a legendary backdrop for three days of elite competition from October 31st to November 2nd .

The Scale of the Event: They discuss the sheer magnitude of the Invitational, which featured the world's top 20 men and 20 women in CrossFit, alongside 10 strongmen and 10 strongwomen, all battling for a share of the prestigious $1 million prize purse

Through the Media Lens: Access, Atmosphere, and AthletesThis section details the unique "insider" experience that defined the trip.The Media Pass Experience: Aaron and Jess pull back the curtain on the life of event media, detailing the unparalleled access that allowed them to capture the raw emotion, immense pressure, and triumphant moments that the public doesn't see on the main broadcast.Spotlight on LuxiaoJun's Colten Mertens: A significant focus is placed on tracking Colten Mertens, the athlete representing their sponsor, LuxiaoJun. They recap his standout performances, including his impressive wins in Event 3 ("Tax Collector") and Event 8 ("Double Bogey") .

Championing the Strongmen and Strongwomen: The hosts share their experiences filming the titans of strength, celebrating the victories of Mitchell Hooper (Strongman) and Inez Carrasquillo (Strongwoman), and conveying the awe-inspiring intensity of the Viking Press and Wagon Wheel Axle Deadlift .

Crowning the Champions of 2025A recap of the athletes who stood out or stood on the podium in a weekend of incredible performances.

CrossFit's Finest: The episode acknowledges the dominant victories of Laura Horvath in the Women's division and Jeffrey Adler in the Men's division, who proved their supremacy across a brutal test of fitness.

Strongman & Strongwoman Supremacy: The hosts tip their hat to the sheer power displayed by Mitchell Hooper and Inez Carrasquillo, who claimed the coveted Strongman and Strongwoman titles .

A Testament to Community and High-Performance Covering the 2025 Rogue Invitational was more than an assignment; it was a powerful experience that reinforced the universal passion that fuels both weightlifting and functional fitness.

Being on the front lines as part of the LuxiaoJun UK media team provided a profound appreciation for the dedication of every athlete, from the platform to the field.

Continue the Journey With Us: Watch the Full Episode: For the complete behind-the-scenes story and all our footage from Aberdeen.

Follow Our Coverage: Stay tuned to our social media and website for more content from the event.Supported by LuxiaoJun UK: Gear that stands up to the highest levels of competition.

Explore More: Follow our ongoing journey at @_to_thebar and to-thebar.com.

Get behind the scenes at Mem's Weightlifting with Mehmed and Silvia.

Learn their Rush Slowly philosophy, training secrets, and community mission. Where World-Class Meets Community Heart

A quick note: you might hear the occasional rumble of trains overhead - we recorded this episode right in the heart of Mem's iconic arch 301 gym, and we wouldn't trade that authentic atmosphere for perfect audio!Join Aaron and Jess as they sit down with Mehmed "Mem" Fikretov (3x World Championship finalist) and Silvia Szabo at their South London stronghold for one of To The Bar's most revealing conversations yet.

Discover how a former Bulgarian international and Hungarian CrossFit convert built Britain's 2024 Eleiko Club of the Year - and why their "Rush Slowly" philosophy is transforming weightlifting from the ground up.Building Tomorrow's Weightlifting Community, Today.

Mem and Silvia represent a new era for British weightlifting - one where world-class technical expertise meets unwavering community commitment. From the echoing arches of their Camberwell gym to the upcoming Rogue Invitational where To The Bar will provide exclusive coverage for LuXiaoJun UK, the message is clear: strength grows where community thrives.

The Mem's Origin Story, Humble Beginnings and the Architecture of Success: The strategic expansion to Arch 2 in March 2023, creating a space where Olympians train alongside complete beginnersCultural Foundation: How Mem's competitive pedigree (5th at 2005 Worlds) and Silvia's CrossFit background forged their unique coaching philosophyThe Mem's Method: Rush Slowly & Training RevolutionInside the programming that produces championsRush Slowly Demystified: Mem explains this cornerstone philosophy - "the balance between aggressive progress and technical precision"

Integrated Excellence: How training alongside athletes like Noorin Gulam and Katrin Feklistova creates a "rising tide lifts all boats" environment

Bulgarian Training Camps: Taking Members to the Source. When South London meets Slavic strength traditions. Elite Access: Mem's connections facilitate unprecedented training experiences with legends like Lasha Talakhadze and Karlos Nasar

Transformational Journeys: How members return not just with better technique, but with renewed mindset and community bondsCoaching Evolution: What Silvia and Mem learn from observing European training methods and how they adapt these insights for UK athletes.

Community First: Youth Development & Animal RescueBeyond the platform - building legacy through giving backGrassroots Mission: Silvia's passion for coaching local children and making weightlifting accessible to all ages and backgrounds

Charity Compulsion: The story behind their charity competitions supporting local sports clubs and animal rescue organizationsContinue the Journey With Us

Train With Purpose: Use code TOthebar5 for 5% off LuXiaoJun UK equipment

Join Our Community: Follow @_to_thebar and visit to-thebar.com for more weightlifting stories

Sponsored by LuXiaoJun UK - Partnering with clubs and athletes who define excellence.

Lift Me Up 2025, Mem's Junior Showcase & Rogue Invitationals: Community, Charity, and the Future of Weightlifting

Relive Emily Muskett’s Lift Me Up 2025, celebrate Mem’s Juniors, and preview our Rogue Invitational coverage. Powered by LuXiaoJun UK.

Where Compassion Meets Competition.

In this landmark episode of To The Bar, hosts Aaron Holt and Jess Roebuck-Slaney reflect on three pillars transforming weightlifting: charity, youth development, and global stage partnerships. Recorded fresh from the trenches of community-driven events, they unpack how grassroots passion fuels elite dreams.

1. Lift Me Up 2025: Emily Muskett’s Legacy in Action

Breaking down British Weightlifting’s premier charity event:

Purpose Amplified: How Emily Muskett’s vision to raise money for a charity to honour her late mum, evolved beyond fundraising into a talent incubator, spotlighting para-athletes and first-time competitors.

2. Mem’s Weightlifting Junior Championships: Building Tomorrow’s Champions

Inside August 2025’s youth phenomenon.

3. Rogue Invitational 2025:

Taking UK Weightlifting Global

Preparing for Aberdeen with LuXiaoJun UK.

Media Accreditation: Aaron and Jess announce their role as official content partners for LuXiaoJun UK, including behind-the-scenes access to the rogue invitationals.

Strategic Mission: Leveraging Rogue’s platform to spotlight British talent and LuXiaoJun’s innovative gear (including adaptive-friendly designs).

Grassroots ↔ Elite Bridge: How viewer support fuelled this opportunity—"Your engagement turned our mic into a passport" .

4. Listener Gratitude: The Engine Behind the Journey

A heartfelt acknowledgment: thank you to every listener, every person who stops us to say hello, who buys a t-shirt or a photo or gives us a shout out in an interview or an instagram post. We wouldn't be where we are without your support!

Milestone Momentum: 50% YoY podcast growth and 200K+ Instagram interactions enabling partnerships with British Weightlifting/LuXiaoJun.

Community-Driven Content: What do you want to hear from Mem & Silv?? let us know in the comments

The Road Ahead: Teasing 2026 plans.....

Conclusion: Lift Together, Rise Together - These events aren’t isolated triumphs—they’re threads in weightlifting’s evolving tapestry. From Lift Me Up’s emotional lifts to Rogue’s global stage, every story proves community is our greatest strength.

Join the Movement:🎧 Full Episode: Lift Me Up, Mem's & Rogue Deep Dive

Supported by LuXiaoJun UK: Use code TOthebar5 for 5% off gear that powers dreams.

Follow Our Journey: @_to_thebar | to-thebar.com"Strength in Every Story."

British Weightlifting Championships 2025: Triumphs, Tears, and the Future of UK WeightliftingRelive the 2025 British Champs through the eyes of technical officials, Athletes and Coaches, Aaron & Jess. Record lifts, athlete breakthroughs, and the power of community. Watch now! To The Bar is officially sponsored by LUXIAOJUN UK – Where performance meets purpose. Use code tothebar5 for 5% off all products at luxiaojun.co.uk - By the weightlifter, for the weightlifter. Introduction: Where Legends Were ForgedThe dust has settled on the NEC Birmingham, but the roar of the crowd still echoes. In this special recap episode of To The Bar, hosts Aaron Holt (2025 Technical Official of the Year, 4th Place Mens 50-55 94kg this year!) and Jess Roebuck-Slaney pull back the curtain on British Weightlifting’s main event. From record-shattering lifts to heartwarming community moments, they unpack why the 2025 Championships redefined the sport’s future.1. Behind the Platform: The BWL PerspectiveAaron and Jess break down the logistics, pressure, and pride of being involved in the UK’s Crown Jewel event:The NEC Effect: How the Strength in Depth integration amplified spectator energy and athlete performance, transforming Birmingham into a "weightlifting mecca" for 3 days. Despite the ear defender requirements!Q-point Review: Controversial as they were the success of competition and the real-time decisions that shaped medal outcomes were a joy to be a part of, hear all about how that impacted Aarons personal journey to the platform, and to his newly acquired British Record in the Snatch!Unsung Heroes: We Pay tribute to volunteers, loaders, and first-time TOs whose precision kept the 3-platform chaos seamless.2. Athletes of the Hour: Record-Breakers & Rising StarsSpotlight on performances that left the crowd breathless:Cyrille Tchatchett II: The return of the quads, and we were living for it. The battle between Cyrille and Ramiro Mora Romero’s Dominance: The refugee team standout’s 372kg total (166kg snatch + 206kg clean & jerk) in the 110kg class – a new British benchmark.Youth Revolution: Amelie Pelta , Eliza Pratt, Bella Brown, Hannah Bemrose , the list goes on – proof of Britain’s "talent tsunami".3. Community Fueling the FireWhy this year felt like a "family reunion":Masters Magic: Andrew Seaber’s Q-point masterclass (401.128) and Byrn Jones Vs the Crossfitter newcomer for gold and just how that went down.Grassroots Love: Shoutouts to Mem’s Weightlifting Club (Club of the Year) and North Tyneside Barbells, whose 10th anniversary celebrated decade-long community building.Adaptive Inclusivity: Previewing how the Adaptive Open’s success (featured in Ep. 108) influenced BWL’s 2026 inclusivity roadmap.4. BWL 2.0: Progress & Growing PainsHosts debate the federation’s evolution:Win: Live-stream upgrades and OWLS tech slashing result delays.Challenge: Balancing Loud Venues with Eyes on the Sport (e.g., Manchester Open’s empty seats).Future Focus: Jess’s call for more para-powerlifting integration and a huge shout out to Nick Jones at Grip and Rip and Phil, From the Platform. As Weightlifters and part of the community, working together and with Elicia Agar back on the scene, it was a wonderful experience for us all to work together.Conclusion: The Barbell Rolls ForwardThe 2025 British Champs wasn’t just about medals – it was a testament to weightlifting’s #StrengthInEveryStory. From Ramiro's grace under pressure to a volunteer’s first time handling a clipboard, every moment wove into the sport’s fabric.Ready to dive deeper?🎧 Full Episode: British Champs 2025 Debrief📸 Behind-the-Scenes Gallery: tothebar.pixieset.com💪 Supported by LuXiaoJun UK: Use code TOthebar5 for 5% off gear that fuels champions.Follow our journey:instagram.com/@_to_thebar | to-thebar.com |

To The Bar ft. Nigel Barber – Redefining Inclusivity in Weightlifting with WODAPTIVE and the Adaptive Open.To The Bar is officially sponsored by LUXIAOJUN UK – Where performance meets purpose. Use code tothebar5 for 5% off all products at luxiaojun.co.uk By the weightlifter, for the weightlifter.

Trigger Warning: Brief references to self harm &/or suicide

Join Aaron Holt and Jess Roebuck-Slaney in this powerful episode of To The Bar, as they sit down with Nigel Barber, spinal injury survivor, adaptive fitness pioneer, and co-founder of WODAPTIVE—the revolutionary platform behind British Weightlifting’s inaugural Adaptive Open.

Recorded in a setting tailored to Nigel’s accessibility needs, this conversation dives deep into resilience, partnership, and the future of inclusive weightlifting.

Meet Nigel Barber: The Force Behind the MovementFrom Tragedy to Transformation: At 16, Nigel suffered a C5/6 spinal injury while working as an electrician’s apprentice, leaving him tetraplegic. After years of rehabilitation, he discovered strength training under ex-marine Colin Kirkman, later embracing CrossFit at CrossFit Pi—where he found community and purpose.

Founding WODAPTIVE: Driven by the lack of inclusive competitions, Nigel co-created WODAPTIVE in 2023. Its debut event at CrossFit Verulamium united 32 teams of adaptive athletes (seated, neuromuscular, vision-impaired) and able-bodied partners, proving "ability comes in many forms"

Mission Statement: "Paired in Purpose. United in Strength." WODAPTIVE pairs one para-athlete with one able-bodied athlete to foster mutual growth, trust, and equality—rejecting scaled workouts for true teamwork

Key Discussion Themes.

The Adaptive Open: Breaking Barriers in WeightliftingNigel details his collaboration with British Weightlifting and Craig Graham (Alt Movement) to launch the Adaptive Open (May 31, Oldbury Academy). Categories include Upper/Lower Extremity, Neuromuscular, Seated, and Blind Athletes.

Competition Philosophy: Emphasizing accessibility, the event welcomes spectators and prioritizes athlete safety—reflecting Nigel’s belief that "fitness should be for everyone."

The WODAPTIVE Blueprint

Partnership Model: Athletes are paired to share loads, strategize lifts, and celebrate collective victories—a system Nigel credits for building "unshakable community".Grassroots Impact: From donating equipment to underserved regions to coaching clinics, WODAPTIVE focuses on education and visibility for adaptive athletes.

Nigel’s Personal Journey - Mental Resilience: He shares the terror of entering gyms post-injury and how coaching transformed his self-perception: "Fitness let me rewrite my limits"

Advocacy Work: As an Adaptive Training Academy-certified coach, Nigel pushes for inclusive programming in mainstream gyms.

Why Listen?

For Athletes: Learn how adaptive divisions are expanding competitive opportunities ahead of LA28 and Commonwealth Games.

For Coaches: Gain insights into tailoring training for diverse abilities.For Fans:

Witness the emotional power of events where "PB’s aren’t personal—they’re shared triumphs" Watch/Listen Now: To The Bar ft. Nigel Barber https://open.spotify.com/show/1IgNWIOb3SNIZBFzGhHr3q?si=5c621d127e274f15

Explore WODAPTIVE: WODAPTIVE Mission

Sponsored by LuXiaoJun UK – Pioneers in gear that empowers every lifter. Use code TOthebar5 for 5% off.

Join Aaron Holt and Jess Roebuck-Slaney in this milestone Episode 204 of To The Bar, officially sponsored by Luxiaojun UK (luxiaojun.co.uk) as they welcome Lee, CEO of LuXiaoJun EU, for an inspiring conversation about bridging high-performance gear with grassroots growth in Olympic weightlifting.

Exclusive offer! Use code TOthebar5 for 5% off all LuXiaoJun UK products—because “strength shouldn’t break the bank”. http://luxiaojun.co.uk

This episode dives into Lee’s vision for the brand, its global impact, and exciting collaborations shaping the sport’s future - including that big news - the cross fit collab.

Meet Lee: Visionary Leader of LuXiaoJun EU

Driving Global Accessibility: Lee discusses LuXiaoJun’s mission to make elite weightlifting gear accessible worldwide, from supporting new clubs in underserved regions like Africa and Egypt with equipment donations to partnering with schools to nurture young talent.

Sustainability & Community: Highlighting the brand’s “Lift Forward” initiative, Lee explains how clubs can get larger shoe sizes for their younger athletes, as they out grow their shoes. keeping the original outgrown shoes within the club for sanitisation and redistribution—ensuring affordability and sustainability for the next generation.

Key Discussion Themes

1. Strategic Partnerships & Global Reach

German Weightlifting Alliance: Lee details their groundbreaking partnership with German Weightlifting, providing gear for national teams and fostering talent pipelines ahead of major events like the 2025 European Championships in Moldova.

Collaborations with Stars: Just how did that collaboration for limited edition lifters with Karlos Nasar come about? Gear drops that blend performance with iconic design

FIBO Cologne Spotlight: From tequila-fueled networking to showcasing innovative designs at Europe’s largest fitness expo, Lee shares behind-the-scenes stories of LuXiaoJun’s growing influence beyond weightlifting circles.

2. Product Innovation & CrossFit Synergy

Functional Footwear: Lee unveils LuXiaoJun’s new CrossTraining-style shoes, the X Series. Designed to enhance natural movement—a nod to the brand’s alignment with CrossFit’s functional fitness ethos.

3. Building the UK Weightlifting EcosystemSupporting Grassroots:

Lee reflects on LuXiaoJun UK’s origins, including early support for Przemek Borak’s BeOly initiative - Now LuXiaoJun Uk, and how local partnerships are democratising access to quality equipment.

Special thanks to Przemek as CEO at http://luxiaojun.co.uk for being To The Bars official sponsor!

Why Listen?

This episode is a masterclass in balancing commerce with compassion. Whether you’re a lifter seeking gear insights, a coach building a club, or a fan invested in the sport’s growth, Lee’s stories reveal how LuXiaoJun is rewriting the rules of engagement in weightlifting.

Watch/Listen Now: To The Bar ft. Lee, CEO of LuXiaoJun UKFollow Us: YouTube | Instagram @_to_thebar | to-thebar.com

Sponsored by LuXiaoJun UK – Where performance meets purpose.

Join Aaron Holt and Jess Roebuck-Slaney in this dynamic episode of To The Bar, recorded live at the 2025 BUCS Weightlifting Championships in Brunel, as they sit down with Claire Deacon—British Weightlifting’s Events Lead, coach, and driving force behind groundbreaking competitions. Claire’s dual expertise in event management and coaching offers a rare glimpse into the logistics, passion, and innovation shaping the future of weightlifting.

• Events Lead at British Weightlifting: Claire has spearheaded large-scale events, including the inaugural Adaptive Open (31 May, Oldbury Academy), a landmark competition co-created with Nigel Barber (WodAptive) and Craig Graham (Alt Movement). This event introduces categories like Upper/Lower Extremity, Neuromuscular, Seated, and Blind Athletes, redefining inclusivity in the sport 414.

• Coach & Innovator: Beyond her administrative role, Claire coaches university athletes and champions practical fitness philosophies—emphasizing strength for “everyday life” over gym aesthetics.

• Operational Excellence: From revamping live-streaming tech to optimizing venue logistics (IT/OWLS systems, volunteer rotas), Claire’s work ensures seamless experiences for athletes and spectators alike.

• Q Points System: Claire breaks down the new scoring format for Masters competitions, designed to level the playing field by age and weight. Discover why this change was pivotal and how lifters have responded.

• Regional Expansion: Insights into plans for regional Masters events (e.g., Southern Masters) and the balance of costs when hosting alongside senior competitions.

• Behind the Scenes: Learn how Claire collaborated with adaptive athletes and organizations to design categories that celebrate diverse abilities.

• Spectator Access: Details on how fans can attend the Adaptive Open and support this historic initiative.

• From Calendar to Platform: Claire shares the complexities of scheduling, venue selection, and integrating tech like OWLS for real-time results.

• Partnerships & Profitability: Reflections on balancing community impact with financial sustainability, including lessons from events like Manchester Open.

• Athletes to Watch: Claire highlights rising stars at BUCS and her transition from event organizer to hands-on coach.

• Coaching Philosophy: “Fitness for real life”—how she prepares athletes for competition and everyday resilience.

This episode is a masterclass in balancing innovation with tradition. Whether you’re a lifter, coach, or fan, Claire’s stories reveal the meticulous care behind British Weightlifting’s events—and the exciting future of adaptive and Masters categories.

Watch/Listen Now: To The Bar ft. Claire Deacon
Follow Us: YouTube | Instagram | Website

Sponsored by LuXiaoJun EU & BeOLY UK – Empowering athletes with gear that fuels greatness.

Meet Claire DeaconKey Discussion Themes1. Masters Weightlifting Revolution2. Adaptive Open: A New Era of Inclusivity3. Event Management Unveiled4. BUCS 2025 & Coaching DebutWhy Listen?

🔥 NEW EPISODE ALERT! Join Aaron and Jess at Oxford PowerSports for an inspiring conversation with Julie Morrish—British Weightlifting’s unsung hero, master coach, and architect of tomorrow’s champions! 🏋️♀️

🌟 From Masters Champion to Mentor: Once a dominant force in the 53kg class (2x British Masters gold medalist 🥇), Julie’s journey took a pivot when illness ended her competitive career. But her passion? Unstoppable. Discover how she rebuilt her legacy alongside Oxford PowerSports, now a Talent Academy nurturing youth lifters and Masters alike through BWL’s Raise the Bar initiative.

🌍 Globetrotting with GB’s Future Stars: As a BWL Pathway Coach, Julie’s shaped athletes from Guadalajara’s Junior Worlds to the 2018 European Seniors. Hear behind-the-scenes tales of coaching prodigies like Isabella Brown and Stefano Cataldi, the realities of mentoring teens on international stages, and her golden advice for athletes who miss team selection.

🔄 BWL 2.0 & the Evolution of Comp: Julie weighs in on British Weightlifting’s bold changes—NEC spectacles, Masters scoring shake-ups, and the grassroots Club Cup (spoiler: Oxford’s in!). Plus, her take on weight class reforms and why “Q points” could redefine Masters lifting.

💡 Quick Fire Wisdom:

• “How do you keep kids hungry in a sport without fame or fortune?”

• “What’s harder: coaching juniors or surviving jet lag?”

🎧 Why Listen? Whether you’re a lifter, coach, or fan, Julie’s blend of grit, humor, and tactical genius will leave you fired up. Perfect for anyone who believes weightlifting’s future is built on community, not just kilos.

📅 Out Now on YouTube & Spotify!
🔗 Links in bio—tap in, tune up, and get ready to #RaiseTheBar!

#ToTheBarPodcast #BritishWeightlifting #YouthDevelopment #WeightliftingCoach #OxfordPowerSports #BWL2.0 #StrengthInEveryStory

🎙️ To The Bar: English Championships 2024 Debrief | Behind the Scenes at the NEC, Birmingham’s Biggest Lifts & TO Survival Secrets | Strength in Every Story

Step into the chaos and glory of the 2024 British Weightlifting English Championships! Fresh off the platform at Birmingham’s iconic NEC, Aaron and Jess pull back the curtain on the UK’s most electrifying weightlifting showdown. From jaw-dropping lifts to logistical mayhem, this episode is your VIP pass to the sweat, chalk, and caffeine-fueled madness that powers the sport.

🔥 What’s Inside?

• NEC Arena Unfiltered: Why Birmingham’s cavernous venue was a blessing (epic spectator vibes!) and a curse (TOs sprinting 10k steps daily 😅).
• Lifts That Broke the Internet: Relive the standout moments—youth phenoms smashing PBs, Masters defying age, and the clean & jerks that left the crowd breathless.
• TO Diaries: Jess and Aaron confess their “war stories”—jury headaches, clock malfunctions, and why they’ll never underestimate a clipboard again.
• Behind-the-Scenes Shorts: Craving more? We’ve packed our Instagram and YouTube with exclusive clips:

💡 Why the NEC Changed the Game

• Spectator Boom: How the arena’s scale drew record crowds (and why your grandma finally understands what a “snatch” is).
• Athlete Vibes: From first-timers trembling on Platform 3 to veterans owning the spotlight—the NEC became a melting pot of raw ambition.
• The “Dirty Clean” Debate: Did lenient referees spark drama? Jess and Aaron weigh in on the call that split the room.

🏋️♂️ Don’t Miss Our Favorites

• Youth Takeover: The 15-year-old who out-lifted seniors (and barely cracked a smile).
• Masters Magic: A 67-year-old’s 110kg clean & jerk proving age is just a number.
• Team GB Watch: Spotting future Olympians in the making—we name names.

👉 Watch the Full Episode Here: https://youtu.be/Kl-3pBvEcWk?si=QPZs49C-60h53boC
Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or Amazon—then binge our shorts for bonus NEC chaos! Tag #StrengthInEveryStory to share your English Champs highlights or shout out your lift of the day!

🎙️ To The Bar: Paris 2024 Olympics Weightlifting Debrief | Emily Campbell’s Glory, Nino Drama & Lasha’s Bittersweet Farewell | Strength in Every Story

The Olympic barbells have fallen silent, but the echoes of Paris 2024’s weightlifting spectacle still ring loud! Join Aaron and Jess—fresh off the plane from France—for a no-holds-barred breakdown of the Games’ most jaw-dropping lifts, heart-stopping controversies, and unforgettable moments. From the cramped seats of the Le Bourget Arena to the roar of Team GB’s Emily Campbell clinching silver, this is your all-access pass to the drama, sweat, and tears of Olympic weightlifting.

🔥 What’s Inside This Epic 90-Minute Recap?

• Team GB’s Golden Moment: Relive Emily Campbell’s heroic silver-medal battle in the +87kg class—and why her final clean & jerk brought the house down. 🇬🇧
• The Nino Controversy: Dissecting the jury intervention that split the weightlifting world during the men’s 89kg showdown. Was it fair? Jess and Aaron clash on the call. ⚖️
• Karlos Nasar’s Masterclass: The Bulgarian phenom’s 223kg clean & jerk—a lift so audacious, it broke the internet (and maybe gravity).
• Toma’s Agony: The women’s 71kg bombout that left the arena in stunned silence… and what it reveals about Olympic pressure. 💔
• Refugee Team Pride: Cheering for Ramiro Mora (ex-London Olympic Weightlifting Academy teammate) as he repped 25 million displaced people in the men’s 102kg. 🌍
• Lasha’s Curtain Call: The GOAT’s subdued +102kg “victory” — why his 473kg total felt more like a farewell than a triumph. 🐐
• Sara vs. Solfrid: The women’s 81kg slugfest that had coaches (and TOs) screaming from the stands.

🏟️ Beyond the Platform

• Venue Whiplash: Tiny seats, mascot mayhem, and navigating Parisian chaos—why the journey to the arena was almost as wild as the lifts.
• TOs Under Fire: Insider takes on the officiating highs (precision) and lows (Nino ruling) that shaped the competition.
• Photo Diary Alert: Peek behind the curtain with exclusive pro shots from the event—linked in our website bio! 📸

💥 Why Listen?
Whether you missed the Games or want to relive every kilo, this episode is a love letter to weightlifting’s Olympic soul. Laugh at Aaron’s “mascot trauma,” rage at judging calls, and leave convinced that Paris 2024 was the sport’s wildest, weirdest, and most wonderful chapter yet.

👉 Watch the Full Episode Here: https://youtu.be/g5YATTRPHwE?si=CMmC_LhkA_zis7JG
Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or Amazon—and tag #StrengthInEveryStory to debate the Nino ruling or share your Olympic highlights!