Beth Ashbee has made a remarkable transition from gymnastics routines to elite weightlifting as she prepares for her Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow. The 63kg lifter was inspired after watching the 2014 Games in her home city and has now earned selection for Team Scotland at Glasgow 2026.
From Gymnastics to Weightlifting
Ashbee competes in the 63kg category and has been named in the Team Scotland squad for Glasgow 2026. She previously performed intricate beam routines before switching to explosive lifts. Were it not for the last time the Games were in the city, she might still be competing in a completely different sport.
“I was a gymnast previously, and I went and watched the 2014 Games,” said Ashbee. “I watched the weightlifting and got into it after that. [Gymnastics and weightlifting] mixed really well, everything kind of sunk into each other. It was easier than I thought. I was quite a powerful gymnast, so transferring that helped.”
Family Support and Comeback
Gymnastics runs in the family for Ashbee, whose mother also competed at a Commonwealth Games. But weightlifting has become her true passion, and the sport has taken her all the way to the World Championships with Scotland. Hailing from West Lothian and training at Glasgow City Barbell Club, Ashbee is looking forward to the home support.
“I’m really excited, it’s so surreal,” she said. “It hadn’t hit until today, and then when we got the kit on, it started to feel real. Normally, my grandad can’t really travel far, but he’s able to make this, which is good.”
After giving birth to her daughter Ruby in 2019, Ashbee’s comeback was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also struggled with several injuries over the years, and credits her physio and mental prep coach as crucial in helping her return to the elite level.
“I’ve had the same two people for three years now so the same support constantly, they're always there,” she said. “If I need to phone them, they'll answer.”
Personal Bests and Goals
A 90kg snatch and a 103kg clean and jerk are Ashbee’s current personal bests, and she has her sights set on raising both in Glasgow this summer. “I have certain numbers I want to hit,” she said. “I’ll keep them inside for now, but I want to hit a certain total and see where that takes me.”
To help her hit these numbers, Ashbee gets pumped up by a varied playlist – while occasionally, repetition is key. “It depends on my mood, sometimes it can be rock, sometimes it can be pop or contemporary, or it could be the cello,” she said. “It is very varied. If there's a certain song I want to listen to when I go into the gym, you'll probably find I will listen to that song for the full session. I'll just keep replaying it.”
Inspiring Others
Having been inspired on her own sporting change of direction by the Commonwealth Games, Ashbee hopes the crowd this year will be similarly motivated. “Enjoy every moment of it and soak in the atmosphere,” she said. “Because it's going to be amazing.”
Follow Team Scotland's journey at Glasgow 2026 on Instagram.
