Emily Campbell, a double Olympic medallist, secured a gold medal in the women’s +86kg weightlifting final on Thursday. Her performance included a lift of 115kg in the snatch and 163kg in the clean and jerk, resulting in a combined score of 278kg. This combined score was 25kg more than her closest competitor.
Campbell’s final clean and jerk attempt set a new Commonwealth and Games record of 163kg, which brought the crowd at the SEC Armadillo to their feet. She had previously secured a bronze medal at Gold Coast 2018 and topped the podium at Birmingham 2022.
Campbell’s Record-Breaking Performance
During the competition, Campbell twice stopped the clock to increase the weight for her clean and jerk attempts. After her first attempt of 148kg, she increased it to 155kg on her second. Her final attempt at 163kg established a new record.
Campbell expressed that she did not realise she had secured the gold medal with her first lift. She aimed to execute three clean and jerks and confirmed her win with the second lift. She noted that she had not lifted such heavy weight in a considerable period and described the lift as nearly technically perfect.
The atmosphere at the event was described as enthusiastic, with fans cheering loudly. Campbell acknowledged the support, stating she could not have asked for a louder crowd and found it difficult to hear herself think.
Beyond the Platform: MasterChef Experience and Future Considerations
Following her gold medal win, Campbell shared that she would be appearing on Celebrity MasterChef. She described the experience as enjoyable and a chance to engage in an activity outside of her weightlifting career, highlighting her passion for food.
Campbell remarked that her time on MasterChef was more nerve-racking than the weightlifting competition, finding it a tough but thoroughly enjoyable experience. She mentioned her signature dish is Caribbean but refrained from giving further details to encourage viewers to watch the show.
Regarding her future in weightlifting, Campbell indicated she needs to consider her participation in the LA Games in 2028. She noted the physical toll of lifting significant weight, affecting her knees, shoulders, and back. Campbell stated that she and her team would strategise and examine the practicalities. If feasible, she would begin qualification at the end of the year, but for now, she plans to enjoy her recent success.
Etta Mae Love, an 18-year-old from Canada who won bronze, cited Campbell as an inspiration when she began her weightlifting journey. Campbell found this feedback both lovely and surreal, acknowledging that she is now sharing the stage with athletes she has inspired. She expressed that while she did not set out to be a role model, she feels she has achieved more than her job if she can inspire others to pursue their passions.
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. Rainibogi led after lifting 170kg in the snatch. England’s Cyrille Tchatchet II challenged with a 204kg clean and jerk, but Rainibogi responded with 208kg, setting a new Games record.
David Liti secured gold in the +110kg category by successfully lifting a Games record of 223kg, overcoming India’s Lovepreet Singh. England’s Andrew Griffiths took bronze in this event.
Siti Aqilah Farhana Draman, 20, from Malaysia, earned a silver medal in the women’s +86kg category, contributing to Malaysia topping the weightlifting medal table at Glasgow 2026 with five golds and a bronze.
The competition also saw New Zealand’s Tui-Alofa Patolo tied with Campbell after the snatch portion of the women’s +86kg event.
Source: theguardian.com