\n<\/p>\n
The 2026 Para Powerlifting Asia-Oceania Championships are underway in Bangkok, bringing together athletes from across the region for one of the sport\u2019s key international events.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Among the Australian team is Rod Watson, whose\u00a0selection\u00a0marks a remarkable return to international competition. A\u00a0T12\u00a0spinal cord injury\u00a0changed the course of his life, but not his drive. After stepping away from competition, Watson\u2019s passion for Para powerlifting drew him back to the bench, culminating in a qualifying lift at the Melbourne Open in March and securing his place on the team for Bangkok.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For Watson, the decision to return\u00a0wasn\u2019t\u00a0sudden\u00a0\u2013\u00a0it was a steady, persistent pull, growing as his body began responding again.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter injuries, there\u2019s always that urge to come back to competition,\u201d he said. \u201cYou can train in the gym as much as you like, but\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0not the same\u00a0\u2013\u00a0competition brings a different intensity, a different energy.\u00a0That\u2019s\u00a0what I missed.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe urge to compete intensified as preparation transformed into real possibility.\u00a0The turning point for me is when everything starts clicking again\u00a0\u2013\u00a0when your body feels strong\u00a0and you know you can lift with confidence.\u00a0That\u2019s\u00a0when you realise\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0ready to step back into competition.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
In the years between competitions, Watson\u2019s focus shifted to family, while still staying connected to the sport.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve spent a lot of time with my two boys, teaching them how to lift weights and be strong,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s been really important\u00a0\u2013\u00a0passing that on, being around it in a different way.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The break also gave him a fresh perspective on the sport.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou come back with a different lens.\u00a0You\u2019re\u00a0just grateful to be strong and healthy enough to still be able to do it. That appreciation\u00a0probably wasn\u2019t\u00a0the same before.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Returning to the\u00a0Paralympics Australia\u00a0Melbourne Open, Watson secured a qualifying lift that confirmed he was ready to compete on the international stage.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a great feeling,\u00a0not just because of the number, but because it showed I was ready to compete again,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Now in Bangkok, the opportunity to\u00a0represent\u00a0Australia carries meaning that goes beyond medals:\u00a0\u201cTo put on the Australian uniform again and compete at this level\u00a0\u2013\u00a0that\u2019s something I\u2019m really proud of,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
With a growing calendar of competitions and major events on the horizon, Watson sees this next chapter as a chance to build consistency and continue improving.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are more competitions now, which is great for the sport. It gives you the chance to get stronger, stay competitive, and keep enjoying it all year round,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve\u00a0won plenty of medals. Now,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0about keeping a strong, healthy body and being able to stay in the sport for as long as I can.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Watson\u2019s journey reflects the wider growth of Para powerlifting, where more athletes, more competitions\u00a0and more pathways are creating opportunities for newcomers\u00a0\u2013\u00a0and for those returning. His advice to anyone considering, or coming back to, the sport is simple: \u201cBe patient, follow the process and listen to your coaches. Stick with it and the results will come.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
In Bangkok, as the competition continues, Watson\u2019s focus is clear: to perform, to\u00a0represent, and to make the most of this next chapter \u2013 lifting not just weight, but the story of resilience and opportunity that the sport itself embodies.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Entry lists:\u00a0https:\/\/www.paralympic.org\/powerlifting\/live-results<\/a>\u00a0 The championships\u00a0are being\u00a0live streamed at:\u00a0Paralympic Games \u2013 YouTube<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n For more information on how to get involved in Para Powerlifting:\u00a0www.parapowerliftingaustralia.com.au<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n By Ashley Gillespie, Paralympics Australia.<\/p>\n Published 10 April, 2026.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n