Nundah weightlifter Chloe Perkins is among the debutants named to the Australian team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow following her recent success at the Oceania Championships.
While the wider sporting world is buzzing about the national squad selection, the story on the ground in Queensland is one of relentless personal growth. Perkins, who has become a familiar face at the North Brisbane Weightlifting Association in Nundah, will join a team of experienced athletes and fellow debutants on the international stage.
Her selection comes following years of disciplined training and competition, including significant performances at the 2026 Oceania Senior, Junior, and Youth Championships held in Apia, Samoa, in May 2026.
A Journey Shaped in Queensland
Perkins’ path to the national team has been built on a foundation of local dedication. Though she is primarily affiliated with the Cougars Weightlifting Club, her presence at the Nundah facility has been a constant in her development. During the QWA School Age Championships at the Nundah venue in March 2026, she displayed the technical precision that solidified her reputation within the sport.
This progression has been years in the making, with her official competition records reaching as far back as 2015. Over that decade, she has consistently shattered both Queensland state and Australian Weightlifting Federation records, earning accolades such as the Best Youth Female Lifter award at the 2022 Australian U15/Youth Online Championships.
Representing the Green and Gold
The broader Australian weightlifting contingent for Glasgow is anchored by Commonwealth champion Eileen Cikamatana, who is returning to defend her title. The team selection, which was made official in July 2026, features a mix of veterans and rising stars.
The team includes seasoned athletes like Ridge Barredo, who is heading into his third Commonwealth Games, alongside fellow returnees Kiana Elliott, Brenna Kean, and Suamili Nanai. Among those joining Perkins for their first major international outing are Ryven Ewing, Nya Hayman, Ashley Kolomoisky, Isabella Andueza, Rory Scott, and Oliver Saxton.
Commitment to the Sport
The national body has noted that the selection of this team highlights the depth of talent emerging through the Australian program. For athletes like Saxton, the journey involved intense international travel and competing across multiple continents to secure a qualification spot.
Officials from the Australian Weightlifting Federation have expressed confidence in the squad, noting that the athletes earned their positions through a difficult qualification process. As the focus shifts toward the competition in Scotland, the local community in Nundah has been quick to celebrate the achievement of one of its own reaching the pinnacle of the sport.
Published Date 03-July-2026
