Historic Qualification for Glasgow 2026 as Vanuatu Weightlifting Makes History
.jpeg)
The Vanuatu Weightlifting Federation has achieved a historic milestone with Ajah Pritchard-Lolo and Thomas Wilbur officially qualifying for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
For the first time in the federation’s history, Vanuatu weightlifters have secured their places at the Commonwealth Games through the official qualification rankings. To qualify, athletes were required to finish among the top eight ranked athletes in their respective Commonwealth weight categories during an 18-month qualification period.
The achievement is a significant step forward for weightlifting in Vanuatu and highlights the progress made by local athletes on the international stage.
Ajah Pritchard-Lolo continues to build on an already remarkable career. She represented Vanuatu at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and later became the country's first weightlifter to compete at the Olympic Games, representing Vanuatu at Paris 2024. Glasgow 2026 will mark another important chapter in her international journey.
For Thomas Wilbur, qualification for Glasgow represents the biggest achievement of his career to date. After a strong international campaign, he successfully earned his place among the Commonwealth’s top-ranked athletes and will make his Commonwealth Games debut in Scotland.
According to Vanuatu Weightlifting Federation President and Head Coach Simone Pritchard, the qualification demonstrates that Vanuatu athletes can compete at the highest levels of Commonwealth weightlifting and earn their places through performance and consistency.
The focus now shifts to preparation as both athletes begin the final phase of training ahead of Glasgow 2026. While qualification itself is a major achievement, the goal is now to ensure both athletes arrive in Glasgow ready to perform at their best and proudly represent Vanuatu.
The Vanuatu Weightlifting Federation acknowledged the support of VASANOC, Cyril Jacobe and the team at Ultimate Fitness Gym, supporters, and the wider community who have contributed to this historic achievement.
As preparations begin for Glasgow 2026, Ajah Pritchard-Lolo and Thomas Wilbur have already secured their place in Vanuatu sporting history, becoming the first weightlifters from the nation to qualify outright for the Commonwealth Games through ranking.
