Samoa powerlifting team claimed another 2 gold medals, one silver and a bronze medal Friday night during the men’s competition.

Held at Gym 1 in Falefata, Oliva Siusega Kirisome lifted 330kg to claim gold in his super weight division, leaving the crowd in loud cheers. 

“I am excited winning this Pacific Games second time and it’s God’s power that made me win,” said the 33-year-old from Siusega, Aopo and Saanapu. 

He dedicated his win to the people of Samoa. 

Koale Junior Tasi Taala claimed gold in the +120kg and Atoa Dr. Tavita, 62, won bronze. 

“I could have lifted much better but am just glad I won something for Samoa,” said Atoa, who is a Lecturer at the National University of Samoa. 

“I was a weightlifter and then I got injured and I turned to powerlifting. I have achieved results; I have won the results before and still holding the world record. 

“This is God’s power. I attribute all this to our Lord Saviour,” said the champion from Tanumanono. 

Another silver medal was won by Titi Misile Penieli, 19, who competed in the 105 categories. 

Head coach Pepe Christian Fruean said he is proud with his team’s achievements. 

“I am very proud of the athletes, they put in the time, and when the competition got tight as you can see when we got to 2 ½ kilos after lifting about 900 kilos by Oliver after injuring his leg. 

“I think there’s some very good lesson for athletes, even though you maybe injured or something might be on, you need to get up every morning and try your best. That is what we saw today and I am very proud of him.

What you see in powerlifting is the gap between the big countries and the small countries, kilo, not 10 or 20 kilos, but 2 kilos, 5 kilos, it makes it a very competitive environment. 

“There are three lifts, the squats, bench press, and the deadlift, and the weights are very heavy. Our lifts go up to 450 kilos that’s a 1000 pounds on people’s back, and if you actually observer it, you can see the bar bend. 

“These are very hard bars, made of very strong steel, in order to make it bend there has to be a significant amount of weight on it,” said Pepe.