October 18–19, 2025 marked an unforgettable weekend as we had the privilege of serving as staff coaches at the Australian Youth & U15 National Championships, hosted by Bribie Weightlifting Club on beautiful Bribie Island.
A massive thank you to Queensland Weightlifting Association (QWA) and the Australian Weightlifting Federation (AWF) for the opportunity, it was a true blessing to be part of such a powerful weekend of learning, connection, and growth. Surrounded by experienced coaches from across the country, we witnessed firsthand the heart and dedication that drives our sport forward.
Seventeen personal coaches joined forces to support our Queensland lifters. It was never about representing ourselves, but representing Queensland and the sport we love. Every coach, athlete, volunteer, and official contributed to something far greater than competition—it was community in motion.
A special shoutout to Bribie Weightlifting Club for an incredible setup, seamless event organisation, and for fostering such a warm and supportive environment. The hospitality and spirit on display were nothing short of inspiring.
To every club that prepared their athletes for this championship—thank you. Your commitment and guidance were evident in the smiles, PBs, and pride shown by every athlete who stepped onto the platform.
To the AWF & QWA board and members, thank you for your servant hearts. It was an incredible sight to see all generations working side by side to make this event possible—an image that will stay with us for a long time.
Our Staff Coaches:
Head Coach – Scott Robinson
Staff Coach – Tise Aaifou
Team Leader – Chelsea Scard (Weston)
QWA Youth Pathway Coordinator – Jade Sharp
Team Leader: Chelsea & baby Scard at Queensland’s squad training for U15 & Youth National Championships.
You all did an incredible job & the kids loved every moment and are already looking forward to the next one.
To all our parents, supporters who attended THANK YOU!
Together, we made it happen and in doing so, helped shape the next generation of lifters.
#QWA #AWF #YouthNationals2025 #BribieWeightlifting #OlympicWeightlifting #QLDWeightlifting
Report by Tise Aafiou – Staff Coach on behalf of all the Team Support Staff.
RESULTS:
47 QWA members took to the super posh Cobi Construction supplied platform over the weekend of the event. Building Renovation in Bribie Island – Cobi Construction Personal bests were smashed and records galore.
| U15 | Youth | ||
| 44kg | Summer McCarthy | Gold | |
| 48kg | Poppy Forrest | Gold | |
| Olive Harvey | Gold | ||
| 53kg | Sienna Lambert | Gold | |
| Mariella Gonzalez | Bronze | ||
| 58kg | Genevieve Hebrard | Silver | |
| Jaida Oliver | Bronze | ||
| Summa Salisbury | Gold | ||
| Millicent Lee | 4th | ||
| 63kg | Yasmin Aziz | Gold | |
| Georgia Sadler | Silver | ||
| Annabelle Morgan | 4th | ||
| Gabriella Gonzalez | Silver | 5th | |
| Grace Mitchell | Gold | Bronze | |
| Emma Corin | 6th | ||
| Alexis Smith | 5th | ||
| 69kg | Saige Groves | Silver | |
| Jayda Williams | Bronze | ||
| Charlotte Put | 6th | ||
| Sadie Hayman | bronze | ||
| Paige Toovey | 4th | ||
| Addison Coutts | 7th | ||
| Cataleya Gonzalez | Silver | 5th | |
| Freya Robertson | Gold | 4th | |
| Tiare Kami | 5th | ||
| 77kg | Chloe Dolley | Gold | |
| 77+kg | Eva Acason | Gold | |
| Paige Crowell | Silver | ||
| 56kg | Gabriel de Jesus Intal | Gold | |
| Rixen Eaborn | bronze | ||
| 60kg | Thomas McKay | Gold | |
| Atticus Manz | Silver | Gold | |
| 65kg | Ashton Brennan | bronze | Bronze |
| 71kg | Joel Crookall | Silver | |
| Tyson Eaborn | Bronze | ||
| 79kg | Charlie Hammond | Bronze | |
| Kase Dowd | 5th | ||
| Jesse Saliba | Silver | ||
| Leon Neal | bronze | 7th | |
| 88kg | Levi Davidson | Gold | |
| Cooper Ward | Bronze | ||
| 94kg | Harry Seaton | silver | 5th |
| Damian Saunders | Bronze | ||
| 94+kg | Connor Hopgood | Gold | |
| Michael Pona | Silver | ||
| Josiah Baumgartner | Gold |
Congratulations to our National Record breakers!
| Female | Male |
| Sienna Lambert | Atticus Manz |
| Yasmin Aziz | Thomas McKay |
| Grace Mitchell | Levi Davidson |
| Freya Robertson | Connor Hopgood |
Female overall best Youth Lifter: Yasmin Aziz
Queensland was successful in taking out all 4 team shields. Great work all!
Weightlifting royalty was also in attendance over the weekend, with 1984 Olympic Gold Medallist Dean Lukin presenting medals assisted by QWA President Jim Mildren!
Find the full results here:
A HUGE thank you to all the sponsors and volunteers who made the event such a success.