Emily Campbell, representing England, secured her third Commonwealth Games medal, winning gold in the Women’s +86kg weightlifting event at the SEC Armadillo on Thursday. The double Olympic medallist achieved a combined score of 278kg, which was 25kg more than her closest competitor. Her performance included a lift of 115kg in the snatch and a new Commonwealth and Games record of 163kg in the clean and jerk.
The atmosphere at the SEC Armadillo was described as fervent during Campbell’s final lifts. Spectators, many of whom were new to the sport, cheered loudly, creating what was termed the “Campbell Effect.” Campbell acknowledged the crowd’s support, stating she “couldn’t have asked them to be any louder” and that she “couldn’t really hear myself think.”
Record-breaking performance
Campbell’s path to gold saw her tied with New Zealand’s Tui-Alofa Patolo after the snatch portion of the competition. However, the 32-year-old lifter took a significant lead in the clean and jerk. She began with a lift of 148kg on her first attempt, then increased it to 155kg on her second. For her final attempt, Campbell twice stopped the clock to increase the weight, ultimately setting a new Commonwealth and Games record of 163kg. This final lift brought the Armadillo crowd to their feet in applause.
Following her victory, Campbell revealed that she would be appearing on Celebrity MasterChef. She described the culinary competition as a “really fun experience” and a chance to engage in something outside of her identity as a weightlifter. Campbell also mentioned that MasterChef was “definitely more nerve-racking” than the weightlifting competition, finding it “very tough.” Her signature dish is Caribbean, but she kept further details private to encourage viewers to watch the show.
Future considerations and inspiration
Despite her recent success, Campbell expressed uncertainty regarding her participation in the LA Games in 2028, where she could potentially aim for a third Olympic medal. She candidly spoke about the physical toll of weightlifting, noting that “it hurts everywhere. Everywhere. Your knees, your shoulders, your back, everywhere.” She explained that lifting such heavy weights requires a sensible approach and that she would need to strategise with her team to assess the practicalities of competing in 2028. If the conditions align, she indicated she would begin qualification at the end of the year.
During the event, Canada’s 18-year-old Etta Mae Love, who earned a bronze medal, spoke about Campbell being an inspiration when she started her weightlifting journey. Campbell reacted to this sentiment with a smile, acknowledging that it felt “surreal” to be considered a role model. She reflected that athletes typically pursue their passion without the explicit goal of becoming a role model, but if her actions can inspire others, she feels she has achieved more than just her job.
In other weightlifting events at Glasgow 2026, Siti Aqilah Farhana Draman, 20, from Malaysia, secured the silver medal in the Women’s +86kg category. Malaysia currently leads the weightlifting medal table with five golds and a bronze. In the Men’s 110kg event, Taniela Tuisuva Rainibogi of Fiji won gold, marking his nation’s first medal of the Games. He lifted 170kg in the snatch and 208kg in the clean and jerk, setting a new Games record. England’s Cyrille Tchatchet II challenged for the lead with a 204kg clean and jerk, while Canada’s Xavier Lusignan failed at 209kg. Samoa’s Jack Hitila Opeloge also made attempts for a medal but failed three times on 210kg. The competition concluded with David Liti winning gold in the +110kg category, successfully lifting a Games record of 223kg to overtake India’s Lovepreet Singh, who had lifted 212kg. England’s Andrew Griffiths took bronze in this event.
Campbell’s previous Commonwealth Games appearances include a bronze medal at Gold Coast 2018 and a gold medal at Birmingham 2022.
For now, Campbell plans to enjoy her recent achievement, celebrating with “some good food, maybe a few drinks,” before moving forward.
Source: theguardian.com
As Latest News UK's Sports Reporter, Hannah Whitfield reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name covering the county circuit and Team GB at two Commonwealth Games. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Loughborough University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Hannah lives in Bristol, where she plays club tennis and coaches a junior side. “Sport is at its best when you let the athletes tell the story.”