Australia has wrapped up the 2026 Para Powerlifting Asia-Oceania Championships in Bangkok with its strongest team result since the 2022 Championships in South Korea, finishing second on the medal tally behind China.
The 10-athlete Australian team gained important experience and understanding of what is required to perform at international level.
Across the Championships, Australia delivered consistent results, with nine athletes securing medals in both the Oceania best lift and Oceania total lift categories, reflecting growing depth and composure under pressure.
“We had some really good results overall from a team perspective,” head coach Simon Bergner said.
“A lot of our athletes were only at their second international competition and we’ve seen some really positive outcomes from that group. It was a great step in the right direction.
“The biggest thing for us was the competition experience at an international level. We saw athletes really shine in the way they held themselves on the platform, a lot of good lifts made and a better understanding of how the competition arena works.”
Paris 2024 Paralympian Hani Watson delivered the standout performance of the Championships, securing gold in both Oceania best lift and Oceania total lift, and bronze in the Open best lift.
Daniel Bos impressed in his first appearance in the under 49kg men’s division, securing gold in Oceania best lift and silver in Oceania total lift, lifting three times his body weight in a strong statement at a new weight class.
Justin Marafioti also delivered at open level, securing bronze in the Open total lift. He added silver in Oceania best lift and gold in Oceania total lift, continuing his steady progression on the international stage.
Jade Pritchard delivered a confident performance to claim gold in both Oceania best lift and Oceania total lift.
Dylan Braan claimed gold in Oceania best lift and silver in Oceania total lift, while Rachel Coady secured silver in both Oceania categories.
Shanaya Soni showed authority on the platform, winning gold in both Oceania best lift and Oceania total lift, while Natasha Price matched that consistency, also securing gold across both Oceania categories.
Rod Watson returned to international competition strongly, claiming gold in both Oceania lifts and silver in both open categories, rounding out a confident return to the international stage.
Ben Wright, who also competed at Paris 2024, rounded out a complete Australian team effort.
Para Powerlifting general manager Kim Ellwood said the Championships reinforced the direction of the program and the value of consistency under pressure.
“Overall, the Championships were a positive step forward for the program,” Ellwood said.
“Competing internationally brings a very different performance environment compared to domestic competition and it was encouraging to see the majority of athletes improve on their 2025 World Championship performances in Egypt.
“What stood out was the athletes’ ability to remain focused on long-term progression and performance execution. The emphasis was on delivering three technically sound and successful lifts and the athletes embraced that. That’s critical for sustained success at this level.”
Ellwood also highlighted Watson’s performance as a clear marker of the standard the program is building towards.
“Within the broader Asia-Oceania field, Hani’s performance stood out,” she said. “It’s a clear example of the level we are building towards.”
The focus now turns towards recovery, preparation and what comes next.
“Most athletes have had a short recovery and are now back into full training,” Bergner said. “We’ve got a busy period ahead, with Grand Prix events, Nationals, and preparation towards the Commonwealth Games.”
Ellwood said maintaining discipline through the next phase will be key.
“As a weight-category sport, consistent attention to nutrition, recovery and preparation is critical,” she said.
“Some athletes will now focus on the Commonwealth Games, while others prepare for the Grand Prix series and Nationals.”
By Ashley Gillespie, Paralympics Australia.
Published 22 April, 2026.
