Emily Campbell, representing England, clinched a gold medal in the women’s +86kg weightlifting event at the SEC Armadillo on Thursday. This victory marks her third medal at the Commonwealth Games.
Campbell achieved a combined score of 278kg, which included a 115kg snatch and a 163kg clean and jerk. Her performance in the clean and jerk set a new Commonwealth and Games record, leading to an enthusiastic crowd reaction.
Campbell’s record-breaking performance
The atmosphere at the final was described as fervent, with spectators cheering loudly. Campbell’s final lift of 163kg in the clean and jerk was a highlight, bringing the crowd to its feet. This lift was 25kg more than her closest competitor.
Campbell had previously secured a bronze medal at Gold Coast 2018 and topped the podium at Birmingham 2022. In the recent competition, she was tied with New Zealand’s Tui-Alofa Patolo after the snatch portion of the event.
During the clean and jerk, Campbell initially took a strong lead with a lift of 148kg on her first attempt, which she then increased to 155kg on her second. She halted the clock twice to further increase the weight, culminating in her record-setting 163kg lift.
Reflecting on her win, Campbell mentioned that she did not realise she had secured the gold with her first lift. She aimed to execute three clean and jerks and only realised her victory with the second lift, knowing then that she had won. She also noted that she had not lifted such heavy weight in a long time and found the lift to be technically almost perfect.
Beyond the platform: MasterChef and future considerations
Outside of weightlifting, Campbell revealed her appearance on Celebrity MasterChef, describing the experience as enjoyable and more nerve-racking than competing in weightlifting. She expressed a passion for food and mentioned her signature dish is Caribbean, encouraging viewers to watch the show.
Campbell also spoke about the physical toll of weightlifting, noting that her body experiences pain everywhere due to lifting significant weights. She indicated that she has some thinking to do regarding her participation in future Olympic Games, specifically the LA Games in 2028, and plans to strategise with her team.
During the event, Etta Mae Love of Canada, who won bronze and is 18 years old, cited Campbell as an inspiration. Campbell acknowledged this, stating it felt surreal to be a role model for younger athletes, as her primary goal has always been to pursue her passion with grace.
Other weightlifting results
In the men’s events, Taniela Tuisuva Rainibogi of Fiji won gold in the 110kg category, marking Fiji’s first medal at Glasgow 2026. He led after lifting 170kg in the snatch. England’s Cyrille Tchatchet II challenged for the lead with a 204kg clean and jerk.
Rainibogi responded with a 208kg lift, setting a new Games record and securing first place. Canada’s Xavier Lusignan attempted 209kg but was unsuccessful. Samoa’s Jack Hitila Opeloge also made a late attempt for a medal but failed on three attempts at 210kg.
David Liti concluded the weightlifting competition by winning gold in the +110kg category. He successfully lifted 223kg, a Games record, after India’s Lovepreet Singh had lifted 212kg with his second clean and jerk. England’s Andrew Griffiths earned a bronze medal in this event.
Source: theguardian.com