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Australia’s Para powerlifting community will carry the momentum of a strong Commonwealth Games campaign into the Victorian Grand Prix next month, continuing a year of immense growth for the sport.
Hani Watson claimed her second consecutive Commonwealth Games bronze medal in Glasgow, while Australia’s largest-ever Para powerlifting team gained valuable experience on the international stage.
The Games highlighted the different stages of progression within Australian Para powerlifting, from established international competitors to athletes gaining their first major competition experience. Watson’s performance was another reminder of what is possible within the sport, with the veteran competitor reflecting on the significance of reaching another major podium.
“It means a hell of a lot for me. I’ve had a really hard journey for the last 12 months trying to get here, and it just tells me that anything’s possible,” Watson said.
Taking place at Paralympics Australia’s Melbourne headquarters, The Hangar near Melbourne Airport on Saturday August 15, the Victorian Grand Prix is the third round of the 2026 National Grand Prix Series, offering entrants the chance to continue their preparation for the National Championships on the Gold Coast in November.
After strong opening rounds in Wollongong and Adelaide, the Victorian Grand Prix is the final opportunity for athletes to influence the series standings before the overall champions are crowned later this year.
Para Powerlifting Australia Head Coach Simon Bergner said the growth of the domestic competition was important in creating the environment athletes need to develop.
“The Victorian Grand Prix is another important milestone in the continued growth of Para Powerlifting in Australia,” Bergner said. “Each event strengthens our national competition pathway, providing athletes with valuable opportunities to perform, develop and prepare for future international competition.”
National record holders Sophie Cowlishaw and Craig Austin will headline a strong field after standout performances in 2026, while National Rookie Record holders Carly Young, Hallee McCoombes and Noah Austin continue to establish themselves as exciting prospects.
Luke Talley will make his first appearance in a WPPO-approved Para powerlifting competition, bringing an accomplished powerlifting background that includes an IPF Junior World Championship title, as he embraces the opportunity to test himself on the Para powerlifting platform.
Alongside the Grand Prix, Para Powerlifting Australia will host a Youth Development Camp, bringing together six emerging teenage athletes from across the country for an immersive introduction to the high performance environment.
The camp will expose athletes to the disciplines that underpin elite performance, including physiotherapy screening, biomechanical and technique analysis, mobility and shoulder health, nutrition, recovery strategies and Sports Integrity Australia education.
Bergner said creating meaningful development opportunities for young athletes was critical to the sport’s future.
“Hosting our Junior Development Camp alongside this event is a significant step forward for the sport,” he said.
“It reflects our commitment to nurturing the next generation of Para powerlifters and building a strong pipeline of athletes with Brisbane 2032 and future international campaigns in mind. Our junior athletes are the future of Australian Para powerlifting.”
Para Powerlifting Australia is also focused on strengthening coaching foundations through investment in coach education and accreditation.
“By developing knowledgeable, skilled coaches nationwide, we’re creating stronger support networks that will help athletes access high quality coaching, refine their technique and reach their full potential,” Bergner said.
Watch The Victorian Grand Prix via Para Powerlifting Australia YouTube channel.
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