Weightlifting has been a mainstay of the Commonwealth Games since the 1950s and never fails to provide drama. Since 2002, para powerlifting has also joined the Games – initially under the weightlifting banner but recently as a discipline in its own right.
Recent editions of the sports at the Games have been dominated by India and Nigeria and it would not be surprising to see those two nations perform strongly again here. Indeed, the large Indian population of the Birmingham area could motivate athletes from that country to even greater heights than normal, so hopefully we could see some outstanding weights lifted! Look out for Saikhom Chanu in the women’s 49kg catagory in that regard.
Outside of those two countries, we have Maude Charron of Canada, who not only will be defending her Commonwealth title but comes into the Games as the reigning Olympic champion as well.
In terms of home nation interest, we should look no further than Emily Campbell, who became Britain’s first female medalist ever at the Olympics last summer, and was one of England’s flag bearers at the opening ceremony on Thursday. Finally, we can all be inspired by the journey of Cyrille Tchatchet. Originally from Cameroon, he actually competed in Glasgow in 2014. He subsequently claimed asylum in the UK, competed at Tokyo for the Refugee Olympic Team and has been cleared this year to compete for England. Quite the journey.
In terms of the para powerlifting, the last Games were dominated by Nigeria and I expect these to be the same, although look out for Bonnie Gustin of Malaysia to potentially prevent a Nigerian clean sweep of gold medals.
Ian's World Of Sports 