Emily Campbell's Bronze Celebration with a Cartwheel

Emily Campbell, Britain’s weightlifting star, secured her place in Olympic history by winning a bronze medal at the latest Games, becoming the first British athlete to achieve double Olympic weightlifting medals since 1964. Despite falling short in her clean and jerk attempt of 174kg, Campbell celebrated her achievement with a spirited performance, including a playful attempt at a cartwheel, which she humorously described as more of a sideways spin. The 29-year-old athlete, who previously won silver in Tokyo, showcased her strength and determination throughout the competition. She began with a strong performance in the snatch, successfully lifting 126kg on her third attempt, surpassing her previous personal best of 124kg set at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. However, she faced tough competition from Korea’s Park Hyejeong, the reigning world champion, which kept Campbell in a challenging position throughout the event. Reflecting on her performance, Campbell acknowledged the mental aspect of weightlifting, emphasizing the importance of confidence and focus. She admitted to feeling relaxed during her lifts, which prompted her coaches to encourage her to adopt a more competitive mindset. Despite the pressure, Campbell remained determined to deliver a standout performance, stating, “I had to pull out something big.” As she contemplates her future, Campbell has expressed interest in exploring opportunities beyond weightlifting, including a potential appearance on the popular dance show, Strictly Come Dancing.