Full Name
Kristian McPhee

What year did you leave John Lyon (Class of)?
2009

What did you do after leaving John Lyon?
I studied a BSc Anthropology at the London School of Economics & Political Science. I then completed a Graduate Diploma in Law at Brunel University. Finally, I completed an MSc in Strength & Conditioning at St Mary's University Twickenham.

Can you describe what you have done in your career so far?
During my first degree, I was a high-level parkour athlete performing in shows and advertisements. I began Olympic weightlifting as part of my strength and conditioning to improve my jump, however, I ended up falling in love with this and winning the British Championships in 2016. I slowly began coaching more athletes as my coach began to retire. I have now coached European, Commonwealth, and World Medallist athletes as a national coach for Great Britain. During this time I also began two businesses, Beaches and Barbells (a training holiday company) and London Strength (an olympic weightlifting club and online coaching and education company)

How did your experience at John Lyon prepare you for/or shape your future?
John Lyon was a fantastic mix of students with a group of teachers who had plenty of wisdom to pass onto the pupils.

What has been your proudest achievements so far?
Creating a new generation of athletes who have achieved more for Great Britain than the last 40 years in the sport and being part of a great community that has transformed this sport, especially for women's weightlifting.

What was your fondest memory from being at John Lyon?
Wise and thought-provoking chats amongst the English teachers who have profoundly affected my life in a positive manner, many of which were with Mr Parsons.

What is one piece of advice you would give to a current pupil?
There are plenty of distractions and noise in the modern world that can really distract us from finding a direction and path that may prove strong in the future. Try to find those a few years ahead in their journey, and others decades ahead in their journey - listen to their wisdom and take inspiration from them.