Chris Murray back to defend his title despite injury setbacks

Chris Murray had big plans after winning a memorable Commonwealth weightlifting gold in Birmingham four years ago.

But after an injury-wrecked few years since, he admits that almost nothing has fallen into place as he sets out to defend his crown.

Now 27, Murray set a new Commonwealth record in the 81kg category to triumph in 2022, lifting a total of 325kg.

But rather than serve as a springboard to even greater heights, that gold medal is currently the apex of his career, having required major surgery after struggles with shoulder and elbow issues over the intervening four years.

Reflecting on his selection for his second Games, Murray said: "It's definitely a special achievement to be selected to compete for Team England. It's my second Commonwealth Games after Birmingham and it's been a tough journey since then with a number of injuries and setbacks. It's nice to be able to put that lion back on, put on the red and white and compete again for Team England.

"I feel a lot more prepared for this one, I know what to expect. I would have liked the last four years to be a lot easier. After going to my first Commonwealth Games and winning, I thought that's it, the Commonwealth Games are easy now and I'm just going to carry on going and going.

“The last two years have been a wake-up call with two major surgeries and numerous injuries so I'm just grateful to be here. These Games are going to offer new challenges but I'm excited to go out and give it my best shot and try to replicate that performance from Birmingham 2022.

"The Games in Birmingham was an experience like no other, having competed at World Championships and Europeans, nothing has come close to those Commonwealth Games and it's always been in the back of my mind to make sure I'm fit and healthy enough to really take in that experience and giving myself the best shot of just enjoying it again.”

Murray has timed his return to fitness well, even if he acknowledges that the last two years have left him questioning whether he will be able to compete at the very highest level in Glasgow.

Even through the dark times, however, his love for weightlifting never waned, and the lure of competing and also training ensured that he was able to keep battling for fitness.

He added: "I love weightlifting, I love doing the sport, coming to training, lifting heavy weights. I think the reminder of getting back to that, the goal of getting back to full training was all it took to push through those challenging times.

"I'm just excited to be back at full fitness, not carrying any niggles or injuries. I'm looking forward to going out and competing again because it's been a long time away from the platform. If you had asked me two years ago, I would be saying I want to bring home that medal, but right now I just want to walk away with the best performance I am capable of.”