Weightlifters dominate with golden haul
The Samoa weightlifting fraternity is celebrating after their team brought home 12 gold medals, four silver medals, two bronze medals and four trophies, dominating the Commonwealth and Oceania Weightlifting Championships in the Gold Coast.
President and Head Coach, Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork, told the media that Lauititi Lui was his best lifter during their trip.
“Mr Lui was awarded the best lifter of the senior men’s 105+kg division after the event,” said Tuaopepe.
“He was up against some very tough and ranked number one competitors in the world, but he was able to steal that gold medal from them.
“Another person was Don Opeloge, he broke all the records in the juniors and he beat the seniors to win a gold medal.
“Another person was Feagaiga Stowers, she broke records and was able to get a personal best and bring home four gold medals.
“We also brought home four trophies -- for the best overall female youth lifter, which was awarded to Feagagia Stowers, the best overall male lifter, as awarded to Don Opeloge and the best overall senior lifter, which was Lauititi Lui, as well as the best overall men’s team, which our team for Samoa was awarded.”
Tuaopepe said he is very proud of the lifters, especially Lauititi Lui’s performance.
“This weekend we will be travelling again to our special invitation in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, in the Asian Indoors Games,” he said.
“I will be taking my best lifters with me, as well as the team, and we will be competing there for a week and then coming back and start training again.
“Thanks to our family and friends, as well as the tapuaiga of Samoa; the team has improved and I am very proud of their performance last week.”
RESULTS: SAMOA WEIGHTLIFTING TEAM (COMMONWEALTH AND OCEANIA CHAMPIONSHIPS, 4 TO 9 SEPT. 2017, BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA)
Vaipava Nevo Ioane 69kg Men - 2 Gold Medal
Maeu Nanai Livi 94kg Men Junior - 1 Gold Medal
Don Opeloge 85kg Men Senior /Junior - 2 Gold Medals
Sagele Mao 105kg Men - 1 Gold Medal
Lauititi Lui 105+kg Men - 2 Gold Medals
Feagaiga Stowers 75+ Women Youth & Junior - 4 Gold Medals
Siaosi Leuo 94kg Men Senior - Silver Medal
Malachi Faamausili 94+kg Junior - Silver Medal
Saofaialo Jim 63kg Men Junior - Silver Medal
Iuniarra Sipaia 90+kg Women Senior - Silver Medal
Lesila Fiapule 90kg Women Junior - Silver Medal
Koriata Petelo 94kg Men Senior - 2 Bronze Medal
BEST LIFTER TROPHY AWARDS
BEST OVERALL YOUTH LIFTER - FEAGAIGA STOWERS
BEST OVERALL JUNIOR LIFTER - DON OPELOGE
BEST OVERALL SENIOR LIFTER - LAUITITI LUI
BEST OVERALL TEAM - SAMOA