2026 BRITISH OPEN INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
POWERLIFTING, BILATERAL, BENCH-PRESS & DEAD LIFT
On arrival in East London temperatures were rising from18c 30c in the afternoon making a truly summers day at the 2026 British Open International Championship at “Bone’s Gym”, Eltham, London on 12th July thanks to Barry Davis, Proprietor and Meet Director. Bone’s gym is fully equipped with quality equipment that is ideal for the development of humane power and strength with heavy duty fans for the benefit of all present.
Competitors travelled from all over the UK to descend on Eltham. We were treated to some spectacular performances, giving loud vocal support for the large audience. It was exciting and exhilarating to see lifters lifting with such good form and technique for lifting heavy weights.
These championships were dedicated to commemorating Bob Campbell’s life, who had passed away in May this year, for his services to the BPO, his dedication to Powerlifting on the platform as lifter as World, European and British Champion, World record holder and World, European and British Technical Officer for 10 years and International Referee. A one minute silence vigil was held in his memory.
The standard of lifting was excellent, with an array of new lifters from all categories with some good camaraderie to win the classes creating a very vibrant atmosphere. The Platform crew delivered an excellent faultless application on all lifts.
The BPO operates with three divisions for lifters, Raw, Classic and Single ply.
RAW & CLASIC RECORDS POWERLIFTING:
67.5kg Women’s Junior 20-23 – Ela Cetin – Squat 123kg B Dead Lift 130kg B Total 295kg B
CLASSIC RECORDS POWERLIFTING:
67.5kg Women’s Junior 20-23 – Ela Cetin – Squat 123kg E Total 295kg E
RAW RECORDS SINGLE LIFT BENCH PRESS
82.5kg Men’s Open Desharne Townsend 160kg B
Key: B=British record. E=European record, W=World record.
Best Overall Squat: Nick Luffman Annual Memorial Shield was won by James Butler with 140 points.
Best Overall Powerlifter: Brian Smith Annual Memorial Shield was won by James Butler with 384 points.
Best Overall Bi-Lateral Lifter: Pete Davis Annual Memorial Shield was won by David Stead with 130 points.
.
Spectators were treated to 2 European records and 6 British records broken at these championships in categories which are colour coded on the scoresheet. This surely shows that there is still that thrust in GB powerlifters wanting to achieve much more.
Barry Davis made all lifters proud by receiving a unique bar on the floor lifter gold statues and certificates of participation.
Many of the lifters have since e-mailed, Facebook, text, telephoned and wrote to express how “Fabulous” the Championships were run, with dedication and commitment from all those involved below.
THEREFORE, A VERY BIG THANKS TO ALL THOSE BELOW WHO GAVE UP THEIR TIME AND TALENT TO HELP AT THESE CHAMPIONSHIPS.
Meet Director: Barry Davis
Platform Crew: Barry Davis, Frank Turner & George Antoniadis
MC: David Carter
Technical Officer: Phil Beniston
Referees: Phil Beniston, David Carter, Penelope Beniston and Phil White.
Presentations by: Clive Martin ( Kas) World Record Holder
The BPO will be back at “Bone’s Gym” for the 2026 UK Open Championships on 27th September, thanks to Barry Davis and his most excellent team.
Report by “The Crane”
