Michaela Breeze

Sport

Weightlifting

Quote

Believe in yourself that you have no limits.

Biography

Previously a taekwondo and judo player, I started weightlifting at the age of 13 in a PE lesson at school under the guidance of my PE teacher, Dave Allen. After nearly 18 months of weightlifting I was put in touch with a new coach, Ken Price and have competed at international level for the last 18 years.

After sustaining a nasty back injury in Beijing, I put my body on the line just one more time for the Dehli Games. Gaining silver was fantastic and I was honoured to captain the Welsh team. I am now retiring from competitive sport and look forward to giving back into sport.

Who is your role model?

There have been many people at different times in my career who I have looked up to, those that are successful but also those who defeat the odds to achieve great things.

Who was your biggest influence?

Ken Price (former coach who passed away in 1999) and Andrew Davies (current coach)

What is your proudest moment?

Winning Gold for Wales in the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006. Also getting the call up to represent GB in the Athens Olympics.

What is your top tip for young people wanting to participate in sport?

Keep in mind what you would do if everything went wrong, something to fall back on. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER give up.

What is your favourite food?

Lasagne

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

You have no limits

Achievements

• 15th Place in Beijing Olympic Games
• 9th place in 2004 Olympic Games, Athens
• Three times European medallist: 2006, 2005 and 2003
• Commonwealth Games
• Gold - 2002 Manchester , 58 kg - Snatch
• Gold - 2006 Melbourne, 58 kg
• Silver - 2002 Manchester, 58 kg - Clean & Jerk
• Silver - 2002 Manchester, 58 kg - Total
• Silver - 2010 Delhi, 58 kg
• European Union Champion 2000
• European Junior Champion 1999
• World Junior Bronze medallist 1999

Outline of experience working with young people

I have taught PE at Ivybridge Community College in Devon for the last 9 years, I have just entered my 10th year. I coach youngsters from the age of 11 -18 and have guided 13 students so far to International honours. I have done many schools visits and coached in other clubs, namely Plymouth Argyle Football and Plymouth Leander Swimming Clubs.

Professional coaching qualifications

• Referee, Leaders, coaches level 1 & 2 in weightlifting
• Numerous other qualifications in a range of sports
• Coaching and teaching experience
• 9 years teaching Physical Education at Ivybridge Community College in Devon.
• I head up a Talented & Gifted Programme at school.
• 9 years of coaching including at National and International level.
• Relevant academic achievements
• BSc in Sport & PE where I gained a 2:1 at UWIC in Cardiff