Cyrille Tchatchet II says his return to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games with Team England marks a full-circle moment after overcoming homelessness and major life challenges following his 2014 debut.
The Cameroon-born weightlifter, now 30, found himself homeless for two months after he last competed at a Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014. He defected from the Cameroon team during those Games and moved to the UK, spending two months homeless in Brighton before relocating to the West Midlands.
Overcoming homelessness and rebuilding a life
“When I came to the UK in 2014, it wasn't a very smooth beginning,” said Tchatchet II, who will compete in the 110kg weight category in Glasgow. “I experienced homelessness. I had to rebuild my life away from my family. I had to make new friends. I had to spend a period of time by myself and I experienced loneliness.”
“I think this experience has shaped my personality; it taught me resilience and perseverance. I'm pretty happy to be going back to Glasgow, this time with Team England. It's been a long journey. It wasn't easy - I've gone through a lot of difficulties, a lot of setbacks. I'm pretty proud of myself to have persisted.”
Tchatchet II obtained refugee status in 2016 and competed for the Refugee Team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Prior to Tokyo, he trained as a mental health nurse. At the Opening Ceremony, he carried the Olympic flag alongside other athletes who served their countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Olympic achievement and continued success
“If I can use an emotion, it was happiness,” said Tchatchet II. “I was pretty proud to have made it to the Olympic Games despite all the challenges and difficulties I went through. Competing at the Olympics was one of my greatest achievements.”
Tchatchet II’s list of achievements is not short. He is an Olympian, a four-time British champion, and he won gold at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship in 2023. The weightlifter has come a long way since discovering the sport by chance 16 years ago.
A chance discovery of weightlifting
“I started weightlifting about 16 years ago, [when] I was 14,” said Tchatchet II. “I got into it by chance because I was taking part in my cousin's baptism and I saw a picture of their father. It was a very captivating picture, and I found that really interesting. I told my mum that I wanted to do this sport and that's how I ended up in the gym a couple of days later. I've been addicted to it ever since.”
Tchatchet II’s love for weightlifting is clear - he retired two years ago but changed his mind and started training again as soon as Glasgow was announced as the 2026 host. Stepping out onto the SEC Armadillo platform in a month’s time will be a special moment for the 30-year-old.
Looking ahead to the Armadillo
“What I remember from memories is that the Armadillo is a very good venue,” said Tchatchet II. “There were a lot of spectators, and the crowd was very encouraging. I'm really looking forward to going back to the Armadillo and this time with Team England.”
“My goal is to complete my lifts. To focus on my performance because if I'm able to execute my lifts successfully, I'm pretty sure I will not leave the Armadillo empty-handed.”
