Samoan weightlifters will be in action at the IBFC Universal Championship from Tuesday, and there is an expectation that a Samoan will set a world record.

The General Secretary of both the Oceania and Commonwealth Weightlifting Federations, Paul Coffa, announced during the opening ceremony that a Samoan weightlifter would be setting a world record.

He said the young athlete had shown promise and had constantly improved over the year. While he did not name the athlete, the indication is that he was referring to 17-year-old Seine Stowers, who has vastly improved and performed a lift during training that was said to be ‘an unofficial world record.’

On Tuesday, Shaniyah Seuao, Falevaa Tafi and John Tafi will be on the stage. On Wednesday, Kelemete Vaafuti, Anoni Faamui, Faifasia Seuao and Sione Sasa will be in action.

Seine Stowers, Sefulu Seuao and Emmanuel Ulimasao will fly the flag on Thursday, while the heavyweights Niusila Opeloge, Jack Opeloge, Iunaria Sipaia, Fomai Faimanifo and Sanele Mao will round up the competition on Friday.

Australia gold medal prospect Eileen Cikamatana, who has spent time training in Samoa, said the competition was world-class.

“I have been training in Samoa but I last competed here a long time ago. This is world-class, and I hope that Team Samoa will get support from fans and cheer them on,” she said.

More international teams are expected to be on stage from Tuesday as they continue to arrive.

Meanwhile, schools provided entertainment during the first day of the competition with their different cheers. Don Bosco being the loudest.

Samoa Weightlifting Association president Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork was busy marshalling athletes and leading things behind the scenes.