Australia is set to make a serious statement in Glasgow, unveiling a six‑strong Para Powerlifting team packed with experience, rising talent and record-breaking credentials.
The squad features returning medallists, debut athletes and history makers ready to lift big and chase gold when the Australian Commonwealth Games Team open their campaign on 23 July.
Leading the charge is Hani Watson (Women’s Heavyweight), who famously broke Australia’s 16‑year medal drought with a bronze medal at Birmingham 2022 and returns aiming even higher.
For Watson, the road to Glasgow is driven by the confidence gained in Birmingham.
“Winning bronze in Birmingham was an unforgettable moment, and it’s given me even more motivation heading into Glasgow,” Watson said.
“To have another opportunity to represent Australia on the Commonwealth stage means everything.”
Benjamin Wright (Men’s Heavyweight) adds star power as he prepares for a record fourth Commonwealth Games appearance, becoming the first Australian Para Powerlifter to reach the milestone.
Wright said the chance to step onto the platform again is something he never takes for granted.
“Competing for Australia at the Commonwealth Games is always special,” Wright said.
“Each Games brings a new challenge, and I’m proud to continue representing the green and gold alongside such a strong team.”
The team also showcases exciting debutants Daniel Bos (Men’s Lightweight), Natasha Price (Women’s Lightweight), and Jade Pritchard (Women’s Lightweight), with seasoned competitor Cameron Whittington (Men’s Heavyweight), who first represented Australia in Delhi, rounding out the team.
Together, they form the largest contingent of Para Powerlifting athletes Australia has ever sent to the Commonwealth Games.
Bos said he’s ready to make the most of his first Commonwealth Games opportunity, expressing excitement and pride as he looks ahead to Glasgow.
“It’s a huge honour to represent my country on a global scale, and I’m ready to test myself against the best in Glasgow,” Bos said.
“I’m keen to step onto the platform knowing my coach and Para Powerlifting Australia are backing me and I’ve done everything possible to be my best.”
Glasgow 2026 Chef de Mission Petria Thomas OAM OLY congratulated the athletes on their selection and highlighted the significance of representing Australia at the Commonwealth Games.
“Selection to a Commonwealth Games team is an incredible achievement, and these athletes should be immensely proud of the work they’ve put in to earn their place,” Thomas said.
“Para Powerlifting is a sport that showcases extraordinary strength. I’m excited to see this group represent Australia with pride in Glasgow and inspire Australians back home.”
General Manager – Para Powerlifting, Kim Ellwood, commended the team’s dedication and outlined the strong preparation behind their Glasgow campaign.
“This team strikes an ideal balance between experience and emerging talent, combining three seasoned athletes with three exciting new faces. It highlights the strength of the Para Powerlifting pathway in Australia, with every athlete bringing a unique mix of experience, hunger and resilience,” Ellwood said.
“Glasgow will demand precision, strength and composure, and I have complete confidence that this group will rise to the occasion and make Australia proud.”
AUSTRALIAN PARA POWERLIFTING TEAM – GLASGOW 2026 COMMONWEALTH GAMES
| NAME | EVENT | AGE | STATE | COMMONWEALTH GAMES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Bos | Men's Lightweight | 28 | NSW | Debut |
| Natasha Price | Women's Lightweight | 45 | QLD | Debut |
| Jade Pritchard | Women's Lightweight | 44 | NSW | Debut |
| Hani Watson | Women's Heavyweight | 43 | QLD | Birmingham 2022 - bronze medallist |
| Cameron Whittington | Men's Heavyweight | 43 | NSW | Dehli 2010 - 16th |
| Benjamin Wright | Men's Heavyweight | 38 | WA | Birmingham 2022 - bronze medallist; Gold Coast 2018 - 6th; Glasgow 2014 - 10th |
Para Powerlifting continues to grow in Australia, showcasing remarkable displays of strength and determination while providing a pathway for athletes to compete at the highest level.
Para Powerlifting is the ultimate test of upper-body strength where men and women battle to lift the heaviest weight, exercising incredible strength and control. Many powerlifters bench press two to three times their bodyweight.
Men’s Para Powerlifting made its Commonwealth Games debut at Manchester 2002, joined by the women’s competition at Delhi 2010.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will run from 23 July to 2 August, with Para Powerlifting events held at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC), including The Hydro. The sport will kick off the medal action on Day One, awarding the first gold medals of the Games on Friday 24 July.
