Weightlifter crowned junior champion

Weightlifting sensation Mercy Brown has become the European junior champion in the women’s over-75kg category, smashing the British senior record in the process.

Brown, 19, who is in the second year of a Sport and Exercise Science degree at the University of East London, took home the gold with a combined lift of 227kg in the snatch and clean and jerk categories.

After receiving her gold medal at the championship in Klaipeda, Lithuania, Brown said: “It felt great to break the records and win gold. I’m now looking ahead to the Rio Olympics in 2016 as my next target.”

Those aspirations are well within Brown’s reach as she is currently ranked number one in her weight class in Great Britain, with the top two qualifying for the games in Brazil next year.

Brown started lifting in 2011 at the age of 15 and now trains five to six times per week, something she has to balance with her studies.

“It’s hard to find time to fit in time to train and do my university work, especially with championships in other countries, but I can’t just lift forever!” said Brown, who represented England at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, narrowly missing out on a medal by finishing fourth.

“I cried after that competition, I was more capable that what I put out there. It was probably one of my worst performances to date but it was all part of my learning curve,” she added.

David Cosford, UEL’s Director of Sport, said: “This year’s Sport Scholarship cohort demonstrates UEL’s continuing commitment to elite sport and reflects the diversity and breadth of sporting talent the University of East London attracts.

“These are some of the most talented young athletes in the country and we have a fantastic track record of supporting them on their journey through higher education.

“UEL has a proud record supporting elite female sport and it is particularly pleasing to see athletes such as Mercy and Bianca Williams following in the footsteps of UEL alumna Gemma Gibbons and UEL honorary doctor Christine Ohuruogu.”