Tiler lifted by Olympic experience

A top-ten finish achieved and two personal bests matched, Todmorden weightlifter Rebekah Tiler has had an Olympics to be proud of in Rio.
Rebekah Tiler, of Great Britain, competes in the women's 69kg weightlifting competition at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)Rebekah Tiler, of Great Britain, competes in the women's 69kg weightlifting competition at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Rebekah Tiler, of Great Britain, competes in the women's 69kg weightlifting competition at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

The only female weightlifter in the British team in Brazil, Tiler had added pressure on her shoulders when she made her Olympic Games bow in the women’s 69kg category yesterday.

However, far from shying away, Tiler relished her moment in the spotlight, equalling her 126kg British record in the clean and jerk to add to the 101kg managed in the snatch for a combined total of 227kg – again matching the British record she set back at this year’s National Championships in June.

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At just 17, Tiler was never realistically going to trouble the medal rostrum in Rio with Tokyo 2020 her target.

But lifting in Group B first up, her total was enough to place her second and then tenth overall after Group A.

“It was just an amazing experience, just getting on that platform with everyone screaming your name – it’s really cool, and I had so much fun,” she said.

“I could have done a little bit better but because of the pressure I think I handled it well.”

Her mum Emma and siblings watched back at the gym in Sowerby Bridge where Rebekah trains.

“I’m just unbelievably proud of what she’s done,” said Emma.