Hani Watson

Started: She took part in her first powerlifting competition in 2018. She began Para powerlifting in 2021. (Facebook page, 18 Dec 2021) Reason: Her father was a bodybuilder and took her to the gym when she was young. "I learnt most of it through my dad until he passed away a few years ago [speaking in 2022]. I stayed in the gym because it was something I'd always loved doing. In 2018 I went to a powerlifting gym wanting to grow my bench and help strengthen my legs post operatively." (paralympic.org.au, 21 Apr 2022; Facebook page, 18 Dec 2021) Ambition: To win gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, and to compete at the 2032 Paralympic Games in Brisbane. (bulknutrients.com.au, 01 Jan 2023) Milestones: She became the first female Para powerlifter representing Australia to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games when she claimed bronze in the women's heavyweight category at the 2022 Games in Birmingham, England. (SportsDeskOnline, 01 Aug 2024; bulknutrients.com.au, 01 Jan 2023) Additional Info: LOSS OF MOTHER Her mother passed away in 2023. Hani had been caring for her while training and competing. "It's like my mum said to me before she passed away last year, 'You've got something, kid. Don't give it up'. So I just kept going and never gave up. It's a huge relief that we're here [going to the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris] and it's a massive dream come true, not just for me, but for my coach and for powerlifting as well [Australia was not represented in powerlifting at the 2016 or 2020 Paralympic Games]. One of the last things she said to me was, 'Don't give up, girl. You've got a talent, you've found something you're really good at. Not a lot of people find what they're good at or what their purpose might be'. She said, 'I'll see you on the platform in Paris'. I've held on to that, it's a big motivation for me. I know she's not here anymore but I'll see her on that platform. I know she'll be there." (paralympic.org.au, 25 Jul 2024) NAME Her birth name was Hannah, but she was called Hani [after a Niuean term] by her father and grandfather. "'Hani' was to do with enjoying rain, being one with the water, which is something that I find very healing. So I ended up adopting that name legally later in life." (theguardian.com, 15 Jun 2022; paralympic.org.au, 21 Apr 2022) REFEREE She has worked as a Powerlifting Australia provisional level referee in Brisbane, QLD, Australia. (powerliftingaustralia.com, 01 Jan 2021)