Commonwealth Games 2022: University of Brighton students preparing to compete for Weightlifting gold

Ben Hickling, currently studying BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science, has been selected for the England weightlifting team – competing in the Men's 55kg category.

Ben started weightlifting after he was asked to go along to a training session to keep a friend company.

He said: “I saw someone else weightlifting, asked them who their coach was and the rest is history – but I never dreamed I would be competing at the Commonwealth Games. Weightlifting is a good fun way to keep fit, while helping to forget the stresses in life."

The Brighton student is currently ranked UK number one in the 55Kg class, winning the British Weight Lifting Championships 2021.

His best in-competition total as a lifter in that category is 211kg, which he made at this year’s England Commonwealth Trials, comprising a 96kg snatch and a 115kg clean and jerk.

The University of Brighton student said: “Whether you want to compete, keep fit or just have fun, Brighton is a great place for sport and being active.

"The sports scholarship programme has given me the support I need to train and compete at the highest level while studying for my degree. Huge thanks to everyone at the University of Brighton for all their support.”