St. Andrew’s day: Jodey Hughes Q&A

On the occasion of St. Andrew's Day, we present to you a unique talk with Jodey Hughes, a significant personality in Scottish weightlifting. Jodey, who is famous for her accomplishments in the 55kg category such as participating in two Commonwealth Games and snagging two British silver medals, has just been assigned a crucial new position as the Athlete Director of Commonwealth Games Scotland. Her selection to this position is an indication of her steadfast dedication and remarkable achievements in the sport.

Jodey, congrats on getting selected as the Athlete Director of Commonwealth Games Scotland. Could you tell us about the responsibilities of this position and your plan for it?

I am grateful for this incredible chance to speak up for Scottish athletes at the board level. This means that every athlete will have a representative in me.

I hope that all athletes will feel confident enough to come and talk to me and my committee, who will be chosen in the first quarter, to help make crucial decisions for our organization. I want a diverse representation of people from all sports, backgrounds, and age groups. I recognize that each athlete has their own unique perspective, and I think it's wonderful that our marginalized sport – like weightlifting – will finally have a voice on the board. I am still new to this position, and my ideas may change and develop as I learn more. If anyone wants to know more about what we're doing, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Looking back on your path, which led you to being an Athlete Director after being an athlete in two Commonwealth Games, how do you believe your past experiences as a competitor will shape your methods and strategies in this new position?

As a woman from Scotland, it brings me immense pride to have competed in two Commonwealth Games as a weightlifter. Not only am I the oldest female weightlifter to do so, but the skills and knowledge I gained from competing translate directly to my professional life. The ability to handle high-stress situations, bounce back from adversity, set an example for others, and have confidence in myself are all invaluable capabilities that come with being a competitive weightlifter. I recognize that my achievement in the sport has played a significant role in my success.

What has been the greatest obstacle you've faced and greatest achievement you've accomplished in your weightlifting career as a skilled weightlifter who has won two Silver medals for Great Britain?

One of the biggest obstacles I face is my fear of failure. I have experienced a great deal of imposter syndrome and constantly compare myself to others who have achieved more in their athletic pursuits, such as those participating in the Olympics. I often feel that I don't deserve my place and that everything happened by accident. To help me overcome these mental struggles, I have worked closely with a mental coach from Headway Training Academy – a service that I highly recommend. As I've become more open about my struggles, I've come to realize that many athletes, as well as non-athletes, face similar battles. It is our mental state, rather than our physical state, that determines our success. Strengthening our mindset can help us achieve anything we desire, whether it be in lifting weights or accomplishing other significant goals. I urge everyone to try visualization techniques to boost their performance and achieve their dreams.

My greatest achievement so far was during the British Championships. Despite missing my first two snatch attempts, I managed to just barely complete my third. However, my first C&J attempt also failed, and I was starting to feel the pressure mount as I drifted further away from a qualifying position. It all came down to my final lift, which would determine if I landed in last place and competed no more, or won a medal and secured my spot in Birmingham 2022. The final clean was extremely difficult, but I fought with all my might and ended up completing it, setting a new competition personal best in the process. Even watching the video today still gives me chills.

Since it's St. Andrew's Day today, I'm curious as to how your Scottish ancestry has impacted your professional sports career and leadership style.

Being a weightlifter for Scotland has truly shaped who I am and has allowed me to serve as a role model for other women in strength sports. Despite being a small nation, we were the most vocal and passionate country present. It was an extraordinary experience to be a part of such an amazing community.

I have lived in Scotland my entire adult life since moving from Canada to East Kilbride. Scotland holds a special place in my heart because I adore the people, culture, and it is where I discovered weightlifting. I am forever grateful for the incredible opportunities that have come my way in Scotland. I credit my strong leadership skills to my unique identity and upbringing, but I could not have achieved success without the support of both the Scottish community and my family in Canada. To commemorate St. Andrew's Day, my loved ones and I plan to share a casual dinner of pizza with a side of haggis and a wee dram of whisky.

The sport of weightlifting is quite challenging, both in terms of physical and mental strength. What suggestions or tips would you offer to young sports enthusiasts who aim to achieve the same level of success as you?

Weightlifting is a challenging activity, but it's worth the effort. You will accomplish things that you never thought possible and become an inspiration to others. There are now many outstanding female role models in the strength sports industry, such as Emily, Sarah, Noorin, Zoe, Jess, and Fraer. When I was younger, I didn't have such role models, but this has changed over time. These impressive women are inspiring a new generation of athletes. However, it is important to remember that behind their smiles, there are failures, setbacks, tears, sacrifices, and dedication. They have worked hard to achieve their goals, as have we all. Through weightlifting, we have found a sense of accomplishment.

As we mark the occasion of St. Andrew's Day, what words of wisdom do you wish to impart upon the followers of British Weight Lifting and your supporters?

Scotland is an amazing region of the nation. If you're interested in a workout session in this area, don't hesitate to contact me. I have acquaintances all over Scotland, including the highlands, Glasgow, and Inverness. To top it off, you can unwind with a refreshing swim in one of the breathtaking lochs! Don't forget to take advantage of the opportunity to savor some haggis, and have a joyful St. Andrew's Day!

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