🎙️ To The Bar: Episode 106 – BWL CEO Matt Curtain on Weightlifting’s Future, Paris 2024 & the CrossFit Connection | Strength in Every Story
Join Aaron and Jess for an exclusive sit-down with Matt Curtain, CEO of British Weightlifting (BWL), IWF Executive Board Member, and one of the most influential figures in global weightlifting. With a storied career spanning the Paris 2024 Olympics (as IWF Technical Delegate), the London 2012 Games, and leadership roles in Commonwealth and Paralympic sports, Matt shares unparalleled insights into the sport’s past, present, and future.
What’s Inside This Episode?
- BWL 2.0 Unveiled: Discover how British Weightlifting is evolving—from the success of Battle of the Barbell and the English Champs to bold plans for 2024. What’s next for athlete development, events, and grassroots growth?
- CrossFit x Weightlifting Synergy: As weightlifting surges in CrossFit gyms worldwide, Matt reveals how BWL plans to harness this crossover to grow the sport. (Spoiler: It’s more than just shared floor space 💪)
- Paris 2024 Insider Scoop: What does it take to be the IWF Technical Delegate for the Olympics? Matt breaks down his role, challenges, and the lifters he’s most excited to watch.
- The Press-Out Debate: Keep it or scrap it? Dive into the fiery discussion around the IWF’s controversial rule proposal—and what it means for athletes.
- Recruiting Technical Officials: Why is there a shortage of TOs? Matt shares strategies to attract volunteers and why their role is critical to the sport’s survival.
- Masters Weightlifting Mystery: Why are there two UK Masters organizations? Matt unpacks the history—and hints at potential unification.
Why Listen?
Whether you’re a lifter, coach, or fan, this episode is packed with game-changing insights you won’t hear elsewhere. From grassroots to the Olympic platform, Matt’s vision for BWL 2.0 and the IWF’s global strategy will reshape how you see the sport.
👉 Watch the Full Episode Here: https://youtu.be/qQEUmXyF8j0?si=wD0qG_MZKu_lS50f
Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or Amazon to stay ahead of the curve—and tag us with #StrengthInEveryStory to share your take on the press-out debate!