Andy Griffiths: From University of Cumbria gym to Commonwealth Games medal
University of Cumbria alumnus Andy Griffiths says he “still can’t believe it” after winning a medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The 33-year-old, who studied Primary Education at the university's Lancaster campus from 2011-15, claimed bronze in the men’s +110kg weightlifting event in Glasgow in July.
It was the culmination of years of work, including countless sessions in the Bowerham Road campus gym across his time with the university.
Reflecting on his achievement, Andy said it was “incredible”.
“It’s surreal, I still can’t believe it,” he said. “It was the best feeling.
“There were like 3,000 people watching. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing.”
Andy Griffiths with his Commonwealth Games bronze medal. Image: Commonwealth Games
It was the second time Andy represented England on the Commonwealth Games stage, following his debut appearance in Birmingham four years prior.
He set that goal of competing at the 2022 Games back in 2016 near the beginning of his impressive rise in the sport.
“I think the Commonwealth Games in 2022 was my fifth ever competition,” said Andy, who owns Warrington weightlifting club AMG Lifting Lab. “Covid messed up my schedule with competing – I think I did three competitions after lockdown, the third one being the Commonwealth Games.”
The start of his weightlifting journey can be traced back to his time with the University of Cumbria, where he captained the basketball team.
Andy Griffiths played for the basketball team during his time with the university
He was training squats and deadlifts in the Sports Complex gym to help his game on the court.
“We weren’t the best team in the world, but we had a lot of fun,” said Andy, who still keeps in touch with his teammates.
“I was in the gym squatting to try to get better at those movements and jump higher.”
After seeing one of his teammates complete a snatch – one of the lifts in Olympic weightlifting – Andy asked him how to do it.
He picked it up quickly and began progressing at speed.
“The progress was mad – I just skyrocketed once I started training properly.”
Andy Griffiths competing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Image: Commonwealth Games
He worked as a supply teacher to fit around his weightlifting schedule before opening his own gym in 2018.
Andy credits his BA (Hons) Primary Education degree as being vital for getting his business off the ground and helping it thrive through his youth coaching.
He has one of the most successful youth weightlifting squads in the country.
“It was a big selling point to parents,” he said. “Having that teaching side of things really helped. That’s one of the things that set me apart.
“When you’re a teacher, you know how to have a laugh but know where the line is. That’s one of the main things I’ve taken from university into my life now.”
He added: “That all comes back to doing the PE curriculum and working with the tutors. A lot of it was around making PE fun and that’s what I started doing with the gym.
“Ultimately, I didn’t end up going that far into teaching, but the course itself taught me a lot about teaching styles and how to interact with children.”
Andy Griffiths (left) on his University of Cumbria graduation day in 2015
A University of Cumbria graduate, a gym owner, and now a Commonwealth Games medal winner – but what is the next goal for Andy?
“I’d really like to win a European medal in the next three or four years,” he said. “Also, to get back to the Commonwealth Games in 2030 at 37 – it’s very rare you get to go at that age, so that would be amazing.
“There’s a reality when it comes to the Olympics that you have to be top eight in the world to qualify.
“There might be an outside chance I can do that in the next two years. Stranger things have happened, so you never know!”
Dr Ruth Harrison-Palmer, Dean of the Institute of Education, Arts and Society at the University of Cumbria, said: “It's always great to see our graduates making an impact. Our students, both past and present, are at the heart of everything we do here at the University of Cumbria, and we are incredibly proud of their successes.
“Winning a medal at the Commonwealth Games is a remarkable feat. Everyone at the university would like to congratulate Andy on his superb achievement. Well done, Andy!”