Glasgow, Scotland – The platform at the 2026 Commonwealth Games continued to test the physical and emotional limits of Team South Africa’s weightlifting contingent on day two. Following a gritty opening day that showcased both agonizing near-misses and the unforgiving reality of the sport, yesterday’s action brought another serving of high-stakes drama for our lifters.
As the weights increased, so did the pressure, proving once again that in this sport, gravity takes no prisoners.
Jefferies Brings the "Gees" to the Platform
Pre-tournament, Laryne Jefferies spoke passionately about the unique South African gees (spirit) and the arduous global journey required just to qualify for these Games. Stepping into the spotlight for the Women’s 69kg division, she channelled that exact energy to deliver a spirited performance against a fiercely competitive international field.
Jefferies opened her account with a 90kg Snatch, successfully securing the lift before missing her subsequent attempts at 93kg. Moving into the Clean & Jerk, she showed her resilience by locking out 106kg. Though her final attempt at 111kg didn’t go her way, she registered a solid combined total of 196kg.
Her grit earned her an 8th-place finish in a dominant group led by Canada’s Charlotte Simoneau, who took gold with an incredible 240kg total. Jefferies walked off the platform having done exactly what she promised: representing the unique flavour and fighting spirit of Team SA on the world stage.
Swart Suffers the Cruelest Margins
If day one taught us anything with Jon-Antohein Phillips, it is that weightlifting margins are brutally thin. Yesterday, William Swart faced that same heartbreaking reality in the Men’s 88kg division.
Swart started his campaign looking focused and strong, successfully hoisting 148kg in the Snatch phase to put himself in a competitive position. However, the Clean & Jerk phase proved to be a cruel hurdle. Opening at a heavy 181kg, Swart missed his first attempt. Fighting to stay alive in the competition, he bravely increased the weight to 182kg and then 183kg for his final attempts but was unable to secure the lifts.
Failing to register a score in the Clean & Jerk resulted in a Did Not Finish (DNF) for the South African. Malaysia’s Hafizuddin Bin Roslin Muhammad claimed the gold with a massive 345kg total. While the result is a bitter pill to swallow for Swart, his willingness to push his body to the absolute limit for his country remains commendable.
Team SA Daily Results Summary (Day 2)
Athlete | Event | Best Snatch | Best Clean & Jerk | Total | Final Position |
Laryne Jefferies | Women’s 69kg | 90 kg | 106 kg | 196 kg | 8th |
William Swart | Men’s 88kg | 148 kg | No Lift | DNF | DNF |
Looking Ahead: The Heavyweights Step Up Today
The beauty of a nine-athlete squad is that the momentum never stays down for long. The South African camp will quickly rally around Swart and celebrate Jefferies’ completion as they look to the next weight classes.
Today, the heavier divisions take centre stage, and Team SA has two more explosive athletes ready to step under the bar and shoulder the nation’s hopes:
- Nicolaas Du Plooy will be in action in the Men’s 94kg division, kicking off at 15:00 (SA Time).
- Cheyenne Smith will close out the evening in the Women’s 86kg division, starting at 19:30 (SA Time).
Be sure to tune in and send your support all the way to Scotland as our athletes continue to battle the iron. Bring on Glasgow!
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