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Three-time Commonwealth Games representative Ben Wright is celebrating a belated bronze medal, following his elevation to the podium for the heavyweight para-powerlifting after disqualification of the Indian gold medallist due to an anti-doping violation.
Delivering his maiden Commonwealth Games medal, the performance marks the first men’s powerlifting medal for the green and gold since Darren Gardiner won bronze at Melbourne 2006.
The result sees Australia’s total medal count from Birmingham grow to 180, 56 of them now bronze, with Nigeria claiming powerlifting gold and Scotland, silver.
“It’s huge; everytime I get to wear the green and gold it’s an honour, and to have received the bronze medal from Birmingham 2022 is incredibly exciting,” Wright said.
“I was surprised when I heard the news but it is really special and I do feel honoured.
“I’ve represented Australia at three Commonwealth Games and this recognition of my hard work and dedication really means a lot to me and everyone else around me too.
“I’ve got my sights set on the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and am looking forward to pushing myself with that goal in mind.”
Commonwealth Games Australia will look to recognise the achievement and awarding of the medal at an appropriate time and congratulates Wright on his recognition and achievement.
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) confirmed on Saturday that the violation was regarding an in-competition sample from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games that returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) of substances banned on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 2022 Prohibited List.
Commonwealth Games Australia and the CGF have a zero-tolerance policy to doping in sport.
They seek to maintain the integrity of the Commonwealth Games by running a comprehensive anti-doping programme that focuses equally on education, prevention, and testing.
By: Commonwealth Games Australia
Posted: 4 October 2023
Image: Commonwealth Games Australia
