Maidenhead’s Louise Sugden revelled in her return to the Commonwealth Games despite narrowly missing out on a para powerlifting medal, writes James Reid.
The 42-year-old won silver at Gold Coast 2018 but was forced to withdraw on the eve of Birmingham 2022.
She fought her way back to compete at Glasgow 2026 and though she was unable to return to the podium, the Newbury native was thrilled to be back competing for Team England.
She said: “It’s been a hell of a journey to get here. To think, four years ago, I was having shoulder surgery after withdrawing from the Commonwealth Games. To get out on the platform today was magical.
“I did everything I could. I pushed them all the way, and I was going for a 4kg PB. I’m really proud. I haven’t had an ideal build-up to this competition. I had an injury at the Europeans in March. I’d probably had four weeks’ training going into this, so to go and lift 4kg more than I’ve ever lifted before, I can only be proud.
“Team England is a special place. I really love it, and I love the whole Commonwealth Games atmosphere, competing alongside non-disability sport. I think it gives powerlifting a platform that we don’t normally get. I love everything about it.”
Sugden’s sporting career stretches all the way back to the Beijing 2008 Paralympics, where she competed in wheelchair basketball before she made the switch to para powerlifting in 2017.
She won Commonwealth silver a year later and went on to win Paralympic bronze at Tokyo 2020.
And while the 42-year-old missed out on adding to her collection in Glasgow, she did not rule out a tilt at Los Angeles 2028.
She added: “I’m going year by year at the moment. I’m not getting any younger but never say never.
“I think as long as I’m getting stronger, I have to keep going, right?”
Sugden was one of six English para powerlifters in action.
“It’s been a really great camp,” she added. “The team morale has been fantastic. I’ve just had a really nice time.”
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