Powerlifter Olivia Broome is aiming to make the most of para powerlifting's historic moment as the first para sport to open the Commonwealth Games. The 25-year-old from Chorley will compete in the women's lightweight category in the opening session of Glasgow 2026, hoping to secure gold after winning silver in Birmingham four years ago.
A Historic First
Broome acknowledges the significance of being the first event of the Games. 'To be the first event is pretty mental,' she said. 'It's really important. We are not a very widely broadcast sport, it's still quite a small sport over here. Growing up, I never heard about para powerlifting so to be the first event of the Games is vital as you get more eyes and more exposure.'
She added: 'You always want to do well no matter when you compete in an event like this but to be the first one, you want the team to get off to a good start as it creates a really good drive in the athletes.'
Mental Shift and Motivation
Reflecting on her growth since her last Commonwealth Games, Broome said: 'I was 21 in Birmingham, I'll be 25 at these Games, so my mentality is very different. I am not thinking 'what will be, will be'. I am like 'I have to do it, it's on me to do well at this comp'.'
A two-time Paralympic medallist and European champion earlier this year, Broome relies on music for motivation. 'I am not that superstitious but if I've had a song on before my first lift and my first lift goes really well, that song will be on repeat for the entire comp,' she explained. 'In Paris, I had Brilliant by Shinedown, they are usually my go-to in comp as they are loud, heavy and it can be quite motivating. Recently I've had Bad Omens on. It is usually anything rock-based. Some people call it 'dad rock', which I like – I'm not sure what that says about me! But it has to be loud and invigorating.'
King's Baton Relay and Childhood Hero
Broome recently participated in the King's Baton Relay, supported by Team England's official automotive partner Geely, alongside her childhood hero Ellie Simmonds. 'Being part of the relay is really special,' she said. 'Seeing all the work that goes into these things, especially in creating the baton and the story behind it, is amazing.'
She recalled meeting Simmonds years ago: 'I grew up watching her on TV all the time. We met each other at a shared event at a dwarf sports association weekend going back years, I was 10 or 11. Now I'm older I talk to her a bit more and she is a very good friend now. It is surreal when a childhood hero becomes a good friend. It's a bit mental, really.'
Team England are Ready to Win at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Keep up to date on teamengland.org.
