Louise Sugden targets Commonwealth Games redemption after injury heartbreak

Para-powerlifter Louise Sugden is ready to right some wrongs when she competes at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2026.

Sugden endured sporting heartbreak four years ago when she was forced to pull out of the Birmingham 2022 Games just a week before she was due to compete because of injury.

The 41-year-old underwent significant shoulder surgery but made it back to qualify for the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

The Maidenhead-based athlete wants to go one better and return to the podium, having won silver at Gold Coast 2018.

“I want to show what I can do despite having had time out due to injury and despite being on the wrong side of 40,” she said. “I want to show people that determination is all you need.

“I was a week out from competing at the Commonwealth Games when I had to withdraw; I was heartbroken.

“I was going with the intention of medalling in front of a home crowd and that just wasn’t to be.

“I have got another shot. I am going out there to enjoy it and if I come back with a medal, that’s the cherry on the top.”

Sugden was told she may never return to elite sport following her injury but defied the odds to make it back to Paris 2024, her fourth Paralympics across two sports.

The 41-year-old first debuted at Beijing 2008 as part of the wheelchair basketball squad having narrowly missed out on a place at Athens 2004.

She returned for a home Games at London 2012 before making the switch to para powerlifting, winning bronze at Tokyo 2020.

It is a wealth of experience few others can boast, and she hopes to use it to her advantage in Glasgow.

She added: “Even though the sports are different, I use what I learned in terms of dealing with pressure, performing in front of a crowd, how to train hard.”

Sugden is part of a seven-strong para powerlifting squad that will represent Team England in Glasgow.

It is another opportunity for Sugden to compete in front of packed-out crowds and a rare one as part of a team alongside non-disabled athletes.

The 41-year-old has seen attitudes to para sport transform over her career but believes the opportunity to compete in an integrated Games is still invaluable.

“I have a really special place in my heart for the Commonwealth Games and for Team England,” she said. The inclusivity of the whole sporting event is probably one of my favourite things.

“It gives a great opportunity to showcase our sport to people who might not have seen it before, to people who might not have heard of para-powerlifting or follow para sport.

“That is my favourite thing about the whole environment. It is only really possible at the Commonwealth Games, and that’s why it is so special to me.

“People’s awareness of para sport and people’s respect for para-athletes is so much better than what it was. There is still work to do but we are moving in the right direction. People understand we are not just having a go; we are actually pretty good.”

Team England are Ready to Win at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Keep up to date onhttps://teamengland.org/