Powerlifting at Wimbledon Leisure Centre is Going Strong

Wimbledon Leisure Centre has been home to Merton Weightlifting Club for over 10 years, offering an inclusive service of weightlifting and powerlifting coaching to members of Wimbledon Leisure Centre.

Sessions are three times a week, Monday and Wednesday at 6pm, and Saturdays at 9am.

Most of the volunteer coaches that deliver the sessions started out as complete beginners, who later got qualified as coaches, and now lead the sessions as experts and as outstanding, relatable role models.

The club also offers annual competitions, which are free to enter, and always attracts a big crowd. The latest of which was in November 2025. It was the Annual Merton Bench Press Championships, which attracted over 20 lifters, and just as many spectators. Over £300 was also raised for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, in memory of former club participant and mentor Terry Smith, who passed away, and whose wife attends every year to give out the medals and awards.

The only pre-requisites to the club are that participants must hold a Better Membership, be on time to sessions, and to listen to coaches (for safety, and for best results). The club specialises in supporting beginners, and whilst this is the case, the club has a reputation for being a hub where some of the best bench pressers in the country will train. The sessions are family friendly, positive and suited to people of all levels. The coaches and participants are very welcoming, and pride themselves on offering a safe and inclusive space to learn something new.

2025 Merton Club Bench Press Championship Medallists:

Women’s Class:

1. Ileri Ogunbanwo – Merton Regional Champion

2. Jessica Wood

3. Mica Denny

Men’s Class:

1. Toby Spanton – Merton Regional Champion

2. Andrew Gideon

3. Luke Wildgoose

Junior Champions:

· Blake Street (2 years old)

· Mason Gideon (6 years old)

· Zara Gideon (older sister to Mason)

· Olive Sitch (first ever competition)

· Albert Sitch (first ever competition)

· Violet Sitch (first ever competition)

Elite Guest Class - Women:

1. Ellie Steele (World & European Champion 2025)

2. Amila Dissanayake (World Runner Up 2024/2025)

3. Siobhan Taylor (World & European Champion 2023/2024/2025)

Elite Guess Class – Men:

1. Richard Twycross Lewis

2. Aaron Gideon (British Champion/Record Holder & World Runner up 2025)

3. Andy Cudd (British Champion)

Find out more about the sessions, or send enquiries to the club by visiting our instagram page (@mwlclub) or emailing us at mertonweightlifting@gmail.com