Hani Watson, a 41-year-old powerlifter from Hemmant, is set to debut for the green and gold in the weightlifting meet of the Paralympic Games in Paris.
Read: From Brisbane to Paris: The Powerlifting Journey of Hani Watson to the Paralympics
Hani Watson competes at La Chapelle
Watson will compete in the women’s over 86kg category on 8 September at 10:00 p.m. local time at La Chapelle Arena.
While her immediate goal is to secure a golden finish at Paris 2024, she has aspirations that go beyond a single competition. Looking ahead, she also aims to compete at the home Paralympic Games in Brisbane 2032.
The competition in the women’s over 86kg category will be fierce. Watson will face off against some of the strongest women in the world, including Nigeria’s Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who holds the Elite World Record with a lift of 165kg, and the defending Tokyo gold medallist Xuemei Deng of China.
About Hani Watson
Hani Watson, born with bilateral metaphyseal dysplasia, has faced significant challenges from a young age. This condition caused her leg bones to bow, leading to multiple surgeries throughout her life. Her resilience was deeply influenced by her late mother, who encouraged her with the words, “Don’t give up,” before passing away from metastatic breast cancer. This advice has been a guiding force for Hani, especially as she trained intensely for the Paralympics.
Her training was supported by her high school principal, who provided her with keys to the gym, allowing her to maintain focus and direction during difficult times. Hani, alongside Ben Wright, marks a significant moment as they are the first Australian powerlifters to compete in the Paralympic Games in over a decade.
Read: Bridge to Brisbane 2024: The Ultimate Challenge from Murarrie
The journey to Paris has been long and challenging, but Watson’s sights are firmly set on bringing home gold and making her mark in Paralympic powerlifting history.
With the Paralympics in full swing, schedule changes remain possible. For the latest updates and information, check out the official Paralympics website.
Published 07-September-2024
