News

The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) and REDTORCH, a London-based digital communications agency, today announced a partnership to increase youth engagement and awareness of the 2017 IWF World Championships in Anaheim, California.

Nearly 400 athletes – 216 men and 161 women – from 72 countries arrive for the Championships in the United States at the end of the month. They include 6 reigning 2016 Rio Olympic Champions: Lasha Talakhadze (2015 World Champion), Sohrab Moradi, Sopita Tanasan, Hsu Shu-ching, and Sukanya Srisurat. Also going for gold is Spain’s 3-time Olympic medallist, Lidia Valentín.

Team USA is fielding a strong team this year and hopes for places on the podium.  Mattie Rogers, 2016 Olympic Bronze Medallist Sarah Robles, plus reigning Youth World Champions CJ Cummings and Harrison Maurus, are just a handful of American athletes with their sights on a medal in Anaheim.

As USA Weightlifting CEO and World Championships Organizing Committee member, Phil Andrews, states, “This is going to be a weightlifting meet unlike any other. We’re ready to compete and we’re ready to welcome the world to Anaheim.”

“The IWF is proud to hold its 2017 World Championships in Anaheim, and looks forward to working with REDTORCH on a digital campaign that connects people worldwide who have a passion for weightlifting,” says IWF President, Dr Tamas Ajan.

“REDTORCH brings significant experience delivering data-driven campaigns, and we know their understanding of international sport and digital channels will help improve how the world sees our sport.”

Jonny Murch, Managing Director of REDTORCH, agrees.  “It’s not often you have the opportunity to partner with a sport that has the heritage of Weightlifting.  One of the oldest Olympic sports, and fast becoming a lifestyle for many people worldwide, it is also totally relevant to today’s athletes – regardless of their sport – as they incorporate it into their training programmes.

“We can’t wait to communicate the incredible story of IWF as we aim to increase global awareness of the IWF World Championships.”

The world’s best weightlifters.
Coming to Anaheim.
28 November – 6 December 2017.
Make sure you catch all the action!

Press enquiries:

International Weightlifting Federation
The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) is a permanent non-profit organization composed of 192 affiliated National Federations worldwide, from all five Continents.
The IWF is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the sole controlling body for international weightlifting.
Lilla Rozgonyi
Communication and Marketing Director
Email: lilla.rozgonyi@nulliwfnet.net

REDTORCH
REDTORCH is an independent digital communications agency that turns data into insight to engage, grow and commercialise international audiences.
We believe in a culture of innovation that enables organisations in the world of sport & entertainment to think differently, challenge the status quo, and become more effective.
Jonny Murch
Managing Director
Tel: +4(0)207 036 8081
Email: jonny.murch@nullredtorch.co