Join Aaron Holt and Jess Roebuck-Slaney in this dynamic episode of To The Bar, recorded live at the 2025 BUCS Weightlifting Championships in Brunel, as they sit down with Claire Deacon—British Weightlifting’s Events Lead, coach, and driving force behind groundbreaking competitions. Claire’s dual expertise in event management and coaching offers a rare glimpse into the logistics, passion, and innovation shaping the future of weightlifting.

• Events Lead at British Weightlifting: Claire has spearheaded large-scale events, including the inaugural Adaptive Open (31 May, Oldbury Academy), a landmark competition co-created with Nigel Barber (WodAptive) and Craig Graham (Alt Movement). This event introduces categories like Upper/Lower Extremity, Neuromuscular, Seated, and Blind Athletes, redefining inclusivity in the sport 414.

• Coach & Innovator: Beyond her administrative role, Claire coaches university athletes and champions practical fitness philosophies—emphasizing strength for “everyday life” over gym aesthetics.

• Operational Excellence: From revamping live-streaming tech to optimizing venue logistics (IT/OWLS systems, volunteer rotas), Claire’s work ensures seamless experiences for athletes and spectators alike.

• Q Points System: Claire breaks down the new scoring format for Masters competitions, designed to level the playing field by age and weight. Discover why this change was pivotal and how lifters have responded.

• Regional Expansion: Insights into plans for regional Masters events (e.g., Southern Masters) and the balance of costs when hosting alongside senior competitions.

• Behind the Scenes: Learn how Claire collaborated with adaptive athletes and organizations to design categories that celebrate diverse abilities.

• Spectator Access: Details on how fans can attend the Adaptive Open and support this historic initiative.

• From Calendar to Platform: Claire shares the complexities of scheduling, venue selection, and integrating tech like OWLS for real-time results.

• Partnerships & Profitability: Reflections on balancing community impact with financial sustainability, including lessons from events like Manchester Open.

• Athletes to Watch: Claire highlights rising stars at BUCS and her transition from event organizer to hands-on coach.

• Coaching Philosophy: “Fitness for real life”—how she prepares athletes for competition and everyday resilience.

This episode is a masterclass in balancing innovation with tradition. Whether you’re a lifter, coach, or fan, Claire’s stories reveal the meticulous care behind British Weightlifting’s events—and the exciting future of adaptive and Masters categories.

Watch/Listen Now: To The Bar ft. Claire Deacon
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Meet Claire DeaconKey Discussion Themes1. Masters Weightlifting Revolution2. Adaptive Open: A New Era of Inclusivity3. Event Management Unveiled4. BUCS 2025 & Coaching DebutWhy Listen?