St Mary’s University, Twickenham, student Mohammadhossein “Saleh” Faghihi, has achieved a remarkable milestone, winning gold at the 2025 British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Weightlifting Championships - less than a year after first picking up the sport.
Though his journey to being a champion has been quick, it has not been without challenges. Originally from Iran, Saleh arrived in the UK in December 2022 to seek asylum.
Separated from his family and navigating a new culture and language, he described his arrival to the UK as “disconnected and difficult.” Now recognised as a refugee, Saleh is thriving as a student at St Mary’s University - both academically and athletically - as he completes a Master’s in Strength and Conditioning Science.
With the help of RefuAid, Saleh gained his English qualification and was introduced to the University. Living on campus, Salah quickly found a strong support system among staff and students. “I wouldn’t be where I am now without St Mary’s. It’s a smaller university, which made all the difference. Everyone knows each other, and the support I’ve had from my lecturers has been amazing in achieving my weightlifting goals” he said.
Shaun Joffe, Saleh’s lecturer and an experienced weightlifting coach, recognised Saleh’s talent early on: "Saleh quickly stood out during a module practical on Olympic Weightlifting, showing natural talent and exceptional strength and mobility. We began supporting his training at the end of 2024 and with a late qualification for BUCS, Saleh pulled it all together to win on the day. His commitment to developing in the sport has been outstanding, setting ambitious goals for his next competitions. His progress this year alone has been exceptional, and we expect to see more from him in the future."
Through his course and participation in the St Mary’s Strength Club, Saleh began weightlifting seriously in 2024 when he began lifting qualifying weights for national competition. In April 2025, he competed at BUCS and took home gold.
Saleh’s ambitions do not stop there. He is currently looking for sponsorship and is in discussions with the International Olympic Committee about a scholarship that would allow him to pursue the sport at an international level. “I want to take this as far as I can,” he said. “I’ve come a long way, and I know I can go further.”
Saleh shares his story by attending events held by Breaking Barriers, a specialist charity that supports refugees into meaningful employment, to inspire others who have had similar stories to him. Ciara Devlin, CEO of Breaking Barriers, said: "Breaking Barriers is committed to supporting individuals from refugee backgrounds to rebuild their lives and achieve their full potential in the UK. Stories like Saleh’s are a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people are given the right opportunities and support - whether that’s through access to education, language learning, or career pathways."
St Mary’s University, prides itself on its inclusive and supportive environment. Saleh’s story is one of many that reflect the university’s commitment to academic excellence and student wellbeing.