Ben Wright (powerlifter)

Last updated

Ben Wright
Personal information
NicknameThe Hobbit
Born (1987-04-23) 23 April 1987 (age 37)
Viveash, Western Australia
Sport
Sport Para powerlifting
Medal record
Representing Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
Commonwealth Games
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg 2022 Birmingham Heavyweight

Ben Wright (born 23 April 1987) is an Australian para powerlifter. Ben was successful in securing a spot via the Bipartisan Vote to compete at 2024 Paris Paralympics. [1] [2]

Contents

Personal

Wright was born on 23 April 1987 at Viveash, Western Australia. [1] He was born with spina bifida. [1] In 2023, he works in Perth as a draftsman. [3]

Power lifting

Growing up he played wheelchair basketball and threw the shot put. [1] In 2012, he took up powerlifting after attending a 2012 a “come-and-try day” where he pressed 80 kg . [1] At the 2014 Commonwealth Games , Glasgow, he finished tenth in the Men's Bench Press Heavyweight with a press of 152.1 kg. [1] At the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Gold Coast, he finished sixth in the Men's Bench Press Heavyweight with a press of 152.4 kg. [1]

Ten weeks outs from the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Glasgow, Wright suffered a seizure that resulted in a broken back in four places. Placing fourth at Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022, in 2023 he later elevated to the Bronze position following the disqualification of the Indian gold medallist due to an anti-doping violation. [3]

Wright enters the 2024 Paris Paralympics with a personal best set at the Dubai World Championships in 2023 of 191 kg in the Men's Bench Press 88 kg. [4]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Ben Wright Results | Commonwealth Games Australia". commonwealthgames.com.au. 2 April 2018. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
  2. "Powerlifting Resurgence Gains Pace With Paris 2024 Selections | Paralympics Australia". www.paralympic.org.au. 25 July 2024. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
  3. 1 2 "WA para powerlifter adds Comm Games bronze to collection". The West Australian. 23 February 2024. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
  4. "Paris 2024 Paralympic Games - Final Entry List" (PDF). World Para Powerlifting. Retrieved 25 July 2024.