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Australian powerlifting is back after a 12-year absence from Paralympic competition.
The nation’s two leading lifters, Hani Watson and Ben Wright, were confirmed by Paralympics Australia as the newest members of the Australian Paralympic Team for Paris 2024 at a ceremony in Melbourne.
“It’s like my mum said to me before she passed away last year, ‘You’ve got something, kid. Don’t give it up’,” Watson said.
“So I just kept going and never gave up. It’s a huge relief that we’re here and it’s a massive dream come true, not just for me, but for my coach and for powerlifting as well.”
The selection of Watson and Wright represents an Australian renaissance in the sport. The nation was represented in weightlifting and powerlifting consistently between Tokyo 1964 and London 2012. The great Vic Renalson won silver in 1964 before winning a remarkable three consecutive gold medals in 1968, 1972 and 1976. In 1992, five-time Paralympian Brian McNicholl won gold in the 90kg class. For Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, however, Australia fielded no athletes in powerlifting.
“Hopefully this is the start of something much bigger,” Watson said.
“We’ve got athletes coming on board, people are starting to become more aware of strength sport and I think this is going to slingshot it into the forefront of people’s minds.”
At the forefront of Watson’s mind will be her late mother.
“One of the last things she said to me was ‘Don’t give up, girl. You’ve got a talent; you’ve found something you’re really good at. Not a lot of people find what they’re good at or what their purpose might be’. She said ‘I’ll see you on the platform in Paris’.
“I’ve held on to that, it’s a big motivation for me. I know she’s not here anymore but I’ll see her on that platform. I know she’ll be there.”
Watson cared for her mother while training and competing. She said she owed much to her coach, Paralympics Australia Para-powerlifting head coach Simon Bergner.
“Simon is a big hero in my eyes,” she said.
“He’s such an advocate for women, for strength sport, for anyone who wants to really give something a go. He always wants to put others in the best position possible. He gives all of himself and never asks for anything in return. It’s such a huge honour to have him by my side.”
Chef de Mission Kate McLoughlin said the commitment of Watson, Wright and Bergner was outstanding.
“Ben has been competing in powerlifting for over a decade and now finally has this incredible opportunity to show what he can do on the biggest stage of all,” McLoughlin said.
“Hani has been on a whirlwind journey over the past three years, working hard, improving rapidly and we’re so excited to see what she can do in Paris.
“I’d like to, on behalf of Paralympics Australia, particularly thank Commonwealth Games Australia and their Green2Gold2Great funding grant, which has supported Ben, Hani and Simon to attend mandatory international competitions to remain eligible for the Paris Games.
“This is a great moment for Para-powerlifting in Australia and we look forward to providing all the support our team members need to perform at their very best.”
