Team GB Announces Olympic Debutants for Rio 2016 Weightlifting Events

Team GB has officially declared that British weightlifters Rebekah Tiler and Sonny Webster are set to make their Olympic debuts at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Rebekah Tiler's Participation

The teenage prodigy Rebekah Tiler will be competing in the women’s -69kg category. Hailing from Keighley, West Yorkshire, the 17 - year - old Tiler is poised to be among the youngest athletes representing Team GB in this summer's Olympic Games. As the reigning British Champion, she has set two British records at the most recent British championships. Additionally, she is a gold medalist at the Youth Commonwealth Games.

Sonny Webster's Involvement

Sonny Webster, aged 22, will represent Great Britain in the men’s -94kg division. He is also the current British Champion, having finished fifth at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and holds the U23 British Record.

Athletes' Comments

Tiler's Statement

Upon her selection for Rio, Tiler remarked, "I am filled with excitement and a deep sense of honor to be representing Team GB in Rio this summer. This is a dream realized, something I've aspired to since I embarked on my weightlifting journey. The upcoming weeks of preparation are of utmost importance, and I am fully committed to ensuring I am in peak condition for Rio."

Webster's Statement

Webster, from Bristol, similarly stated, "The Olympics is incontrovertibly the most prestigious stage in our sport. I have been training rigorously, and my recent performance at the British Championships has provided an excellent foundation. The next few weeks of preparation are absolutely critical."

Absence of Zoe Smith

Formerly a prominent female weightlifter, Zoe Smith was ruled out of contention due to a dislocated shoulder sustained at the British Championships last month. In an Instagram post earlier today, Smith expressed her disappointment at not being able to represent Team GB at the Games but extended her best wishes to Tiler for the Summer Games.

Tommy Yule's Perspective

Tommy Yule, the Performance Director at British Weightlifting, has expressed his pride in the selection of Tiler and Webster. In a statement, Yule commended their recent advancements and personal best achievements in both national and international competitions. He further stated that all coaching efforts will now be concentrated on enabling them to perform optimally in Rio.

Team GB's Olympic Weightlifting Medal History

Great Britain has a notable record in Olympic weightlifting, having won seven medals - one gold, three silver, and three bronze. The most recent medal was secured by David Mercer in Los Angeles in 1984.

2016 Olympic Games Details

The 2016 Olympic Games will be held from August 5th to 21st in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.