The squad named yesterday reflects the building momentum behind weightlifting in New Zealand, particularly in the women’s divisions. No fewer than five female athletes will wear the fern in Glasgow.
Proven international weightlifter David Liti is set to compete at his third Commonwealth Games and has the chance to be the first New Zealand weightlifter to win a medal at three separate Commonwealth Games.
Cameron McTaggart will also make his third Commonwealth Games appearance, adding leadership and years of experience to the team.
Olivia Selemaia won silver at the 2025 junior world championships, before capping a stellar year with an eighth-place finish at the senior world championships in Norway.
Litia Nacagilevu placed ninth on her senior world championships debut in 2025 and broke the junior Commonwealth Games snatch record at the 2026 Oceania championships.
Marco Mollo, Georgia Theron and Tu’i-Alofa Patolo secured selection after strong performances at the 2026 Oceania Championships.
Weightlifting New Zealand president Simon Kent said the selections reflected both the experienced core and exciting talent coming through the national programme.
‘‘This team represents the future and the present of New Zealand weightlifting,’’ Kent said.
‘‘We have athletes taking their first steps on to the Commonwealth Games stage, alongside experienced campaigners who have consistently performed at the highest level.
‘‘Together, they form one of the strongest Commonwealth Games teams we have assembled and we’re excited to see how they perform in a Games environment.’’
The New Zealand weightlifters will not have to go far for some astute insight in Glasgow.
Chef de mission Nigel Avery is a five-time medallist in weightlifting at the Commonwealth Games. — Allied Media
