Australian Para-Athletes Selected for 2026 Commonwealth Games
A number of Australian Para-athletes have been selected to represent the country at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, which is scheduled to begin on July 25. The selections include para-powerlifter Hani Watson and wheelchair racer Angie Ballard, among others.
Para-Powerlifting: Hani Watson
Hani Watson has been selected for the women's heavyweight para-powerlifting category. Watson underwent major surgery in November 2024, after which she was reclassified but remained eligible for para-sports.
She initially attempted to become a para-powerlifter in 2016 but was told she was not eligible at that time. After surgeries to correct bowed legs, she began powerlifting to track her progress. Watson sought a specialist powerlifting gym after feeling unsafe in commercial gyms.
She holds an Oceania record of 130 kg and won bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
At the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, she finished sixth. Watson took a four-month break in late 2024 due to overtraining and anaphylactic reactions. She stated that she considered quitting but returned to training.
Para-Athletics: Angie Ballard
Wheelchair racer Angie Ballard will compete at her fifth Commonwealth Games, a record for a Para athlete. Ballard will race in the women's 400m and 1500m T54 events. She first competed at the 2006 Melbourne Games.
Ballard stated that making a fifth Games is significant for her career and that she enjoys the training and community. She noted that injury and load management have improved compared to earlier eras.
"Not all Para athletes get the opportunity to compete," Ballard said, noting that events at the Commonwealth Games can vary.
She said she has no specific retirement plan beyond continued participation.
Para-Athletics Squad Composition
The Para athletics squad includes 24 athletes. According to reports:
- 17 athletes are making their Commonwealth Games debut.
- The oldest athlete is Eliza Ault-Connell (44).
- The youngest is Lexie Brown (14).
Australian team chef de mission Petria Thomas described the squad as resilient, determined, and world-class.