Four gold medals for Team Samoa

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 04 July 2018, 12:00AM

The Samoa Weightlifting Federation finished strong at the Oceania Championship in Noumea, New Caledonia last week. 

President and Coach of the Samoa Weightlifting Federation, Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork said the team scooped seven medals, which included four Gold medals, two Silver medals and one Bronze. 

 “Following the success of the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, the Samoa Weightlifting Federation was determined to take a team to the Oceania Championships in Noumea, New Caledonia,” said Tuaopepe.

“The team selected was our B team and also our junior team because our top team has just returned from the Commonwealth Games and were on a short break from training before starting again.”

 “This was also an opportunity for our second string team to prove themselves and perform at the Oceania level.” 

“And at the end, the results were fantastic, almost every member of the team achieved a personal best total and winning a total of seven medals.” 

“The highlight of this competition is that Don Opeloge won the best lifter trophy and most especially set a new Oceania Record in the 85kg Men’s Division.”

“Don is an outstanding elite athlete at this level for someone so young. He performed well and was too far ahead of his competitors by 30kg.”

“There is no athlete in Samoa that holds an Oceania Record let alone a South Pacific record. He competed against everyone from the Oceania, Nauru, Marshall Island, P.N.G., New Zealand and Australia.”

“There were nine competitors in his division.”

Tuaopepe acknowledged the support of the country and the sponsors who funded their trip.

“On behalf of the Samoa Weightlifting Federation, we would like to extend a special thank you to the Gambling Control Authority (Samoa National Lotto) and S.A.S.N.O.C.,” he said.

“We are sincerely grateful for the financial assistance that has enabled our team to participate at this year’s Oceania Championships in New Caledonia.”

“We pray that we will continue to work together in striving to win Samoa’s first Gold Medal at the Olympic Games 2020.”

 

RESULTS: 

• Sekolasitika Isaia 58kg Women - Bronze Medal /Personal Best Total /12kg Improvement

• Lesila Fiapule 75+kg Women - Gold Medal /Personal Best Total /11kg Improvement 

•  Iuniarra Sipaia 90+kg Women - Silver Medal 

• Don Opeloge 85kg Men - Gold Medal – Junior /Gold Medal – Senior /New Oceania Record 

• Petunu Opeloge 94kg Men - Silver Medal 

• Koriata Petelo 105kg Men - Gold Medal /Personal Best Total /9kg Improvement 

Special Awards: Don Opeloge - Winner BEST MALE LIFTER TROPHY.

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 04 July 2018, 12:00AM
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