Charles Revolta

2014 Inductee

Charles Revolta took up weightlifting when he came to the University in 1967 to study law.

At that time he weighed just 8 stones and reports that he was delighted to be participating in a sport where he was no longer mistaken for a rugby ball. He went on to compete in the 52kg category (colloquially referred to in the 1970s as the flyweight class) and over a remarkable period from 1971 to 1986, he won the Scottish championship every year (15 times in total) except one, when he was injured. Between 1974 and 1986, he was the British champion on no less than eight occasions, setting numerous records along the way. He competed in five Commonwealth Games, the first in 1970, finishing 6th or better in each one.

At the Edmonton Games in 1978 he won a magnificent silver medal, an achievement he repeated at the Edinburgh Games in 1986. He also lifted at the World Championships and a total of five European (European Economic Community) Championships - winning one gold medal, three silver medals, and one bronze medal. Throughout his extraordinary career, Charles continued to train at the Pleasance - often with another very good 52kg powerlifter. Such was their expertise that the two lifters regularly used all the weights available in those days, leaving others with little or nothing to work with!

During his student years Charles gained a weightlifting half-Blue (1968/69) and full Blue (1969/70) and served as a prominent member of EU Weightlifting Club. His commitment to EU weightlifting has been loyal, generous and life-long, and he regularly gives his time and coaching expertise to young athletes wishing to follow in his footsteps.