By Tom Robertson

Australia’s largest-ever Commonwealth Games Para Powerlifting team showcased its strength, resilience and determination in Glasgow, highlighted by Hani Watson’s second consecutive Commonwealth Games bronze medal and a series of memorable performances across the competition.

Watson once again led the Australian charge, producing a best lift of 147kg to secure bronze in the women’s heavyweight competition. The Queenslander backed up her breakthrough medal-winning performance at Birmingham 2022 to become Australia’s first Para powerlifter to claim medals at consecutive Commonwealth Games.

There were also encouraging signs for the future through Daniel Bos, who produced one of the standout performances of the competition for Australia. Competing in the men’s lightweight, the Commonwealth Games debutant finished ninth with a lift of 147kg, setting a new Oceania record in the process.

Veteran Ben Wright added another impressive chapter to his distinguished career, finishing eighth in the men’s heavyweight with a best lift of 172kg. The performance came in Wright’s fourth Commonwealth Games appearance, further cementing his status as one of Australia’s most experienced Para powerlifters.

It was a heartbreaking result for Cameron Whittington, whose long-awaited return to the Commonwealth Games ended prematurely after suffering a shoulder injury during competition. Unable to register a successful lift in the men’s heavyweight event, Whittington showed incredible perseverance simply to return to the Games, making his second Commonwealth appearance 16 years after his debut in Delhi.

Australia’s women’s lightweight representatives also delivered inspiring performances on debut.

Jade Pritchard finished 10th with a best lift of 69kg, achieving her lifelong dream of representing Australia at the Commonwealth Games at 44 years of age.

Natasha Price also made her Commonwealth Games debut, finishing 11th after lifting 66kg. At 45 years old, Price’s selection and performance demonstrated that determination and persistence can lead to success at any stage of an athlete’s journey.

With six athletes selected, Glasgow marked Australia’s largest-ever Commonwealth Games Para Powerlifting team. The squad combined experienced campaigners with inspiring newcomers, with Watson’s bronze medal, Bos’ Oceania record and five proud Commonwealth Games debuts and returners, highlighting the continued growth of the sport in Australia and providing plenty of optimism for the future.