BFF's Wes McGuiness powers to victory

Petty Officer Wesley McGuinness proudly represented the Royal Navy at the prestigious English National Bench Press Championships held at Moulton College, Northampton, this month. 

Competing in the under 105kg category, Wes, who is sponsored by The British Forces Foundation, delivered a phenomenal performance, clinching his second national title with a 200kg bench press. It was a personal best and a new Royal Navy record, that secured his place at the top of the podium.

Among a field of over 100 elite male athletes from across the country, Wes’s strength and dedication stood out. His remarkable lift earned him not only the gold in his weight class but also the accolade of third best overall male lifter in the entire competition – a truly outstanding achievement.

Following this success, Wes has now secured an invitation to represent his country on an even larger stage at the IPF Commonwealth Championships, set to take place next year in Canada.

He said: “I would like to express my greatest appreciation to the British Forces Foundation, Mr Mark Cann, and his incredible team for their continued support over the past few years. 

“Their backing has played a huge part in all of my successes. From equipment and training assistance to moral support and recovery, they’ve helped me push boundaries I never thought possible.”

Wes's story is a shining example of how dedication, combined with the right support, can lead to exceptional results. The British Forces Foundation is proud to have played a role in helping service personnel like Wes reach their full potential – both on and off the platform.