Awards only for Olympic Gold: P.M.

By Sarafina Sanerivi 16 January 2017, 12:00AM

The government of Samoa has been kept in the dark about when Samoa’s “Golden Girl” and weightlifting star, Ele Opeloge will receive her medal. 

This was confirmed by the Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, when he was asked about whether the government is planning anything special for Ele. 

“The government hasn’t been officially notified,” said Tuilaepa. 

Ele made history as Samoa’s first Olympic medalist. 

She is also the first female in the sport of weightlifting from the Oceania region to win a medal at the Olympic Games. 

Ele had originally placed fourth in Beijing.   

However after the reanalysis of the drug testing at the 2008 Olympics and subsequent adverse analytical findings of the original silver medalist from Kazakhstan and bronze medalist from the Ukraine and their subsequent disqualification, Ele is now the rightful silver medalist.

Speaking for the first time since her medal was confirmed; Ele attributed her success to the hardworking and dedicated Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork, and the whole of Samoa. 

Therefore, the question was put to the Prime Minister as to how much the government is willing to give for our very own, first, Olympic medalist.

However, Tuilaepa flatly said that the government only has awards for first place at the Olympic Games. 

“At the moment, the government only has awards for gold medalists.”

By Sarafina Sanerivi 16 January 2017, 12:00AM

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