Emily Campbell

Emily Campbell is a history-making British weightlifter and passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion and representation. Hailing from the Snape Wood estate in Bulwell, Nottinghamshire, Emily rose from a working-class background to become the first British woman ever to win an Olympic medal in weightlifting. Her remarkable journey – fuelled by resilience, discipline and unshakeable self-belief – has made her one of the most compelling voices in sport and beyond. As a speaker, she now inspires audiences to challenge bias, embrace authenticity and expand opportunities for all, especially in traditionally exclusive environments.

After graduating from Leeds Beckett University in 2016 with a degree in Sports Science, Emily quickly established herself as a rising force in international weightlifting. Her breakthrough came at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, where she claimed bronze in the women’s +90 kg category. The following year, she secured another bronze at the European Championships, affirming her presence on the continental stage. In 2021, she made history by winning silver at the Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first British female Olympic medallist in weightlifting. That same year, she also won her first European Championship gold and added a World Championship bronze, demonstrating extraordinary consistency across major competitions.

Emily’s momentum continued into 2022 and beyond. She retained her European title in Tirana, clinched gold at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, and upgraded her World medal to a silver in Bogotá. In 2023, she completed a rare hat-trick of European golds before returning to the Olympic stage in Paris 2024 to secure a bronze medal in the +81 kg category, setting a new personal best in the process. In 2025, she made further history by becoming the first British lifter to win five consecutive European titles, solidifying her status as the most successful British weightlifter of modern times.

Today, Emily is more than an athlete – she is a role model, trailblazer and speaker committed to breaking down barriers. Her talks focus on the power of representation, mental resilience and leading with purpose. With a uniquely relatable voice, she engages audiences ranging from corporate executives to school pupils, always championing the belief that background should never determine opportunity. Emily’s story is a powerful reminder that strength comes in many forms – and that true champions lift others as they rise.