Aussies Finish Second On Medal Tally At Para Powerlifting Championships Australia delivered a standout performance at the 2025 World Para Powerlifting Championships in Cairo, securing second place on the medal tally with an impressive haul of medals across multiple weight classes. The achievement marks the nation’s best-ever result at the global event, highlighting the depth and growth of Australia’s para powerlifting program. The success was driven by a record-breaking squad of 15 athletes announced following the Paralympics Australia Para-Powerlifting National Championships at RACV Resorts Royal Pines on the Gold Coast in July. This team, three times larger than the one that competed at the 2023 World Championships in Dubai, included Paris 2024 Paralympians Hani Watson and Ben Wright, who provided leadership and experience throughout the competition. Among the standout performers was Justin Marafioti, competing in the over 107kg category, whose background in bodybuilding translated into powerful lifts on the world stage. Lightweight female lifter Jade Pritchard similarly made significant strides, benefiting from recent technical improvements that enhanced her consistency, and performance. Rising star Dylan Braan, also in the men’s over 107kg division, demonstrated rapid progress, increasing his personal best from 153kg to approximately 175kg over the past year through a disciplined training regimen of four bench days and one cardio day per week. The Championships served as a critical qualification pathway for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics, with Australia’s strong showing positioning several athletes favorably for future selection. The results underscore the effectiveness of national development programs and the increasing competitiveness of Australian para powerlifters on the international stage. Australia’s second-place finish reflects not only individual excellence but also the collective strength of a growing squad supported by Paralympics Australia and the World Para Powerlifting organization. As the sport continues to expand, the performance in Cairo signals a promising trajectory for Australian athletes aiming for podium success in Los Angeles and beyond.
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