Tag: Hani Watson

Paralympic Preview: Hani Watson Aims For Paralympic Gold

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

From Brisbane to Paris: The Powerlifting Journey of Hani Watson to the Paralympics

As the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games approaches, Australia’s para-athletes are gearing up for their moment on the world stage. Among them is Hemmant resident Hani Watson, a rising star in para-powerlifting who has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in the sport.

Read: Easts Josh Nasser Joins Joe Schmidt’s First Wallabies Squad

Para-powerlifting, also known as para-lifting, is an adaptation of powerlifting for athletes with disabilities. In Paralympic competition, the discipline focuses solely on the bench press, showcasing incredible upper body strength and technique.

Photo credit: Hani Watson/Facebook

Watson’s journey to the Paralympics is nothing short of remarkable. Born with bilateral metaphyseal dysplasia, a condition that affected the development of her leg bones, she underwent multiple surgeries throughout her childhood. However, it was her father Charlie, a bodybuilder, who instilled in her a love for strength training and a belief in her abilities.

Photo credit: Hani Watson/Facebook

Rapid Rise to International Competition

This mindset propelled Watson into competitive powerlifting in 2018. Under the guidance of Australian para-powerlifting coach Simon Bergner, she made rapid progress. In 2021, just three years after beginning her competitive journey, Watson was representing Australia on the international stage at the World Championships in Georgia, breaking an Oceania record and finishing eighth overall.

Hani Watson
Photo credit: Hani Watson/Facebook

Watson’s breakthrough moment came at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. There, she ended Australia’s 16-year medal drought in the sport, claiming bronze in the women’s heavyweight division with an impressive lift of 127 kg – nearly 30 kg more than her own body weight. This achievement echoed the last Australian medal in the sport, won by Darren Gardiener at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

Eyes on Paralympic Glory

Hani Watson
Photo credit: Hani Watson/Facebook

Now, with the Paris Paralympics on the horizon, Watson has her sights set on the ultimate prize. The para-powerlifting events are scheduled for September 4-8, and Watson is determined to make her mark.

Watson’s rapid rise in the sport is even more impressive considering she balances her training with a full-time career as a hospital manager. Her dedication and success serve as an inspiration to aspiring para-athletes across Australia and beyond.

As the Paralympic movement continues to grow, Watson’s story highlights the evolving landscape of para-sports. Weightlifting first appeared as a Paralympic event in Tokyo in 1964, with powerlifting making its debut 20 years later. It wasn’t until the Sydney Games in 2000 that women’s powerlifting was finally included in the Paralympic program.

Read: Morningside’s Tammie Lauritsen Selected for National ‘She Can Coach’ Program

When the cauldron is lit on 28 August 2024, at the Place de la Concorde in Paris, Hani Watson will be among the 4,400 athletes from around the world ready to showcase their talents. Her journey from Brisbane to Paris is a testament to the power of perseverance, family support, and the transformative nature of para-sports.

Published 14-August-2024