Weightlifting | Oceania Champion | Commonwealth Games 2026 Debutant
From regional Queensland to the international stage, Nya Hayman’s rise in weightlifting has been defined by discipline, ambition and a clear sense of purpose. She represents a new generation of Australian athletes stepping forward with confidence and intent.
Born in Rockhampton and now based in Brisbane, Nya developed her athleticism through a range of sports including BMX, netball, dance and trampolining, before discovering weightlifting in her teenage years. It was here that her drive and focus found a natural home.
As a Team Partner proudly supporting the next generation of Commonwealth Games athletes, Harvey Norman is backing Nya on her journey to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, where she will make her debut on the international multi-sport stage.
At a Glance
Sport: Weightlifting
Discipline: 69kg
Career Highlights and Achievements:
- 2026 Oceania Universal Cup & Oceania Championships – Oceania Senior Champion, Universal Cup Champion, 1st Snatch, 2nd Clean & Jerk
- 2025 Commonwealth Championships – Junior Commonwealth Champion (1st), 4th Senior
- 2025 Mini Pacific Games & Oceania Championships – Mini Pacific Games Champion, Senior Oceania Champion (4 gold medals)
- 2025 QLD State Championships (Senior & Junior) – 1st (Junior & Senior), Best Overall Senior & Junior Lifter
- 2025 QWA Awards – Australian Junior & Senior Representative of the Year, Best Queensland Junior Athlete, Best Queensland Senior Athlete, Best Overall Queensland Athlete
- 2024 AWF Junior & U23 Championships – 1st (U20 & U23), Best Overall U20 & U23 Lifter
- 2024 AWF Senior Nationals – 1st, Runner-Up Best Lifter
Favourite Quote:
“Feel the fear and do it anyway.”
Discovering Strength
Nya’s introduction to weightlifting came in 2019, aged 14, through CrossFit, where she first picked up a barbell and quickly connected with the sport.
When training conditions shifted in 2020, she embraced the challenge. With limited equipment at home, she focused on refining her technique and building consistency, later connecting with Cougars Weightlifting Club and coach Miles Wydall to take the next step in her development.
This period laid the foundation for what would follow.
A Rapid Rise
Progress came quickly. Within three years, Nya advanced to the international stage, qualifying for the IWF Youth World Championships in León, Mexico, where she placed 12th.
By 2025, she was delivering standout performances across major competitions. At the Mini Pacific Games in Palau, she secured four gold medals and the Senior Oceania title, while at the Commonwealth Championships she claimed junior gold and placed fourth in the senior division.
Her approach has remained clear and focused throughout:
“I just really want to live up to my own potential and try my best and leave nothing out there.”
Building Momentum
That momentum has continued into 2026. At the Oceania Senior Championships, Nya secured gold in the snatch and silver in the clean and jerk, earning both the Oceania Champion and Universal Cup Champion titles.
Her success has also been recognised at home. At the 2025 QWA Awards, she claimed major honours, including Australian Junior and Senior Representative of the Year, along with both Queensland Junior and Senior Athlete of the Year.
Focus, Support and the Future
Now a Tier 2 SAHOF Scholarship recipient, Nya credits her support network as central to her journey, particularly her family, who have supported her every step of the way.
“They supported me from the beginning, emotionally, physically, financially, everything. All credit goes to them.”
With Glasgow 2026 ahead, Nya steps onto the Commonwealth stage as an exciting debutant, bringing confidence, momentum and a strong sense of purpose.
Driven by her goals and proud of where she has come from, she continues to inspire the next generation, proving that dedication, belief and hard work can open doors on the world stage.