Elite Athletes Train With Us

Kath Holley

I have had the honour of being crowned British Bench Press Champion for several consecutive years, setting British records and achieving multiple World Bench Press Champion titles.  This is how my journey has developed in powerlifting, the role of Ebbw Vale sports centre in my development, and my progression in the sport.

Ebbw Vale sports centre has been a pivotal part of my powerlifting journey. The centre offers exceptional facilities, providing top-tier equipment that is essential for any serious powerlifter.  With dedicated squat racks, bench press stations, deadlift platforms, and a wide array of free weights, the gym caters to all aspects of training for strength athletes.  The atmosphere at the centre is highly motivating, as it fosters a sense of community where athletes work together to push their limits.

The knowledgeable gym staff have played a key role in my development, offering advice on technique, form, and strategy, which has been invaluable in refining my lifting ability. The supportive training environment at Ebbw Vale sports centre has been instrumental in ensuring my success and maintaining focus over the years.

Through consistent training and unwavering dedication, I have experienced significant success in powerlifting, particularly in the bench press. Some of my most notable achievements include:

  1. British Bench Press Champion: I have been privileged to hold the title of British Bench Press Champion for numerous consecutive years.  Each victory has been the result of focused training, mental discipline, and a drive to continually improve my performance.

  2. British Bench Press Records: In addition to my championship titles, I have set several British records in the bench press.  Breaking these records has been a rewarding accomplishment and demonstrates the progress I’ve made in the sport.  These records have also set new standards for future athletes to strive toward.

  3. World Bench Press Champion Bench Press Champion multiple times in consecutive years. These victories have solidified my reputation as one of the top bench press athletes in the world.  My performances at these competitions have been a culmination of years of hard work, and I am proud to represent my country and the powerlifting community.

Every athlete faces challenges, and my powerlifting journey has been no exception.  Over the years, I have encountered various obstacles, including managing minor injuries and staying mentally motivated during times of stagnation.  Despite these challenges, the supportive environment at Ebbw Vale sports centre has been crucial in helping me maintain my focus and resilience.

By addressing physical setbacks with care and maintaining a positive mindset, I’ve been able to overcome these hurdles.  The sense of community and camaraderie within the gym has played a vital role in overcoming mental and physical obstacles.

My powerlifting career has been a rewarding and transformative experience, with Ebbw Vale sports centre serving as the cornerstone of my training.  The facilities and support provided by the centre have been essential to my success, which includes multiple British and World Bench Press Champion titles and setting British records.

Lauren Stockley

From a young age, I was always passionate about sports.  I competed as a swimmer between the ages of 10 and 16 and also specialised in middle-distance athletics, including the 800m, 1500m, and cross-country events.  Over time, my interest in swimming and athletics waned, and I returned to playing hockey - a sport I had enjoyed throughout school.  I continued playing at university, where I had captained my team.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, I turned back to running as a way to stay active.  I initially set a goal to complete a half marathon, and five years later, that goal has grown into a passion.  I’ve now completed numerous half-marathons, full marathons, and even an ultramarathon.  I’m proud to be a member of Parc Bryn Bach Running Club and regularly compete in races.

My partner, Tom, introduced me to CrossFit, where I discovered a love for learning new skills and pushing myself in new ways.  That’s when I found HYRO - a sport that combines running and functional fitness.  It felt like a natural fit.  I competed in my first HYROX event in Birmingham, qualified for the World Championships in Chicago, and began taking the sport seriously.

To support my training, I needed a gym that had the right facilities especially access to sleds, which are crucial for HYROX preparation.  Ebbw Vale sport centre stood out for its excellent range of equipment and flexible access, which fits well around my work schedule.  It’s been the ideal environment to help me train and grow as an athlete and the staff and members have been very supportive.

Megan Cottrell

How the Performance Life Card Helped My Recovery and Performance 🏐💪

I've been a Performance Life Card member for 3 years now, and it’s made a huge difference – both in my netball performance and everyday life 🧠⚡

As a Wales Netball U19s athlete, the facilities have supported me every step of the way.  I’ve had two knee injuries that needed rehab, and I genuinely wouldn’t have managed without the gym.  The staff were amazing – especially in those early stages when I was on crutches and needed help with equipment.

The squash courts were a key part of my return-to-court plan.  They gave me a safe, controlled space to work on movement before jumping back into full training. 

This membership helps me stay strong, improve my performance, and live a healthy, balanced lifestyle – on and off the court ✨

#PerformanceLifeCard #WalesNetball #AthleteJourney #InjuryRecovery #TrainForLife

Verity Jones

I’m Verity Jones and I play elite level football for Wales as a goalkeeper.  I have gained caps against nations such as Chile, Serbia and England as well as embarking on trips abroad with the squad to play international tournaments.

I’ve played football since the age of about 8 years old and my passion for the game grew more and more as I grew up. As trainings became harder and more intense, I thrived and found a real love for everything in football. The desire to push myself to be the very best player I can be has always inspired me to reach the top.

Keeping fit and active is a huge part of my life and is of real importance nowadays especially with the growing advances in technology etc which can sometimes encourage us to stay indoors.  Going to facilities like my local one, Tredegar sports centre, to use the gym, the pool and the sports hall has been of massive benefit to me as not only do I get to do what I love, but it also allows me to connect with people, whether I’ve brought them along to play badminton or just chatting to someone new at the gym it’s always nice to bond with people who share similar interests as well as encouraging others to keep pushing and keeping fit.

I would recommend the BG Life sports centres to anyone looking for a gym membership as the facilities you can access are amazing and are of great variety.