The Samoan flag was raised at the Pacific Mini Games in Saipan in the Northern Marianas on Wednesday after the weightlifting team raked in three gold and three bronze medals. 

The weightlifting team won Samoa’s first gold medal since the games kicked off last week. 

According to the Weightlifting Federation's Facebook page, an outstanding lift by young Faustina Opeloge saw Samoa snatch three gold medals last night in the 81 kg Women division. 

The young lifter also secured gold at the Oceania Senior Championships 2022 setting three new Oceania Youth Records. 

Another strong lift by young Avatu Opeloge, who has been lifting for six months, also led to the collection of 3 bronze medals in the 76 kg women’s division. 

For the men’s division, the only male lifter, 15-year-old Tovio Ah Chong set a new Oceania Youth record with 140 kg clean and jerk at the Pacific Mini Games. 

The weightlifting team is coached by Tupuola Niusila Opeloge and Manager Tuuamaalii Hiti Opeloge. 

There are five female athletes and one male in Team Samoa's the weightlifting team. 

A total of 31 Team Samoa members departed Samoa and were later joined by overseas-based athletes representing Samoa. 

The tennis tournament began last week with teams round robin while weightlifting and other sports played by Samoan team began this week. Samoa is participating in athletics, beach volleyball, golf, tennis and weightlifting.