Nauru’s Incredible Commonwealth Games Journey: How the Tiny Island Became a Weightlifting Powerhouse

At the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the spotlight has once again fallen on Nauru, a tiny Pacific island nation that continues to punch well above its weight in international sport. With an area of just 21 square kilometres and a population of roughly 12,000, Nauru has built an extraordinary legacy in Commonwealth Games Weightlifting.

Since making its mark at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland, Nauru has collected 34 Commonwealth Games medals, with every single one coming in weightlifting. The remarkable achievement makes the island nation the most successful country in Commonwealth Games history on a per-capita basis, averaging approximately one medal for every 450 residents.

Marcus Stephen sparked Nauru’s golden era

Nauru’s sporting revolution began in 1990 when 20-year-old Marcus Stephen represented the nation at the Commonwealth Games. Competing in three weightlifting events, he returned home with one gold and two silver medals, prompting nationwide celebrations and even a public holiday in his honour.

Stephen went on to become the country’s greatest Commonwealth Games athlete, winning 12 medals, including seven gold medals. After retiring from sport, he entered politics and later served as the President of Nauru.

Weightlifting became the nation’s identity

Marcus Stephen discovered weightlifting while studying in Australia. Alongside renowned Australian coach Paul Coffa, he played a major role in developing the sport in Nauru. Over the years, weightlifting became the country’s signature discipline, producing a steady stream of Commonwealth Games medal winners.

Former Commonwealth Games champion Yukio Peter once famously remarked that Nauruans are naturally built for weightlifting, reflecting the nation’s deep connection with the sport.

Nauru’s challenging journey beyond sport

Nauru’s history extends far beyond sporting success. Rich phosphate deposits made the island one of the world’s wealthiest nations per capita during the 1970s. However, decades of intensive mining exhausted its natural resources, leaving behind severe environmental damage and economic challenges.

Today, the country relies on alternative revenue sources while continuing to invest in sport, particularly weightlifting, which remains a source of national pride and international recognition.

Another medal at Glasgow 2026

Nauru added another chapter to its remarkable Commonwealth Games story when Ezekial Moses won a bronze medal in the men’s 71kg weightlifting event at Glasgow 2026. The medal continues the nation’s unmatched tradition of success on the Commonwealth stage.

Alongside weightlifting, Nauru is also competing in athletics, boxing and judo at the 2026 Commonwealth Games as the island nation looks to inspire another generation of athletes.

Nauru at the Commonwealth Games

• Population: Approximately 12,000
• Area: 21 square kilometres
• Total Commonwealth Games medals: 34
• All medals won in: Weightlifting
• Greatest athlete: Marcus Stephen (12 medals, including seven gold)
• Latest medal: Ezekial Moses – Bronze (Men’s 71kg Weightlifting, Glasgow 2026)