Two qualify for Rio in weightlifting
The Samoa Weightlifting Federation (S.W.F.) showed their strength at the Oceania Weightlifting Championships held in Fiji at the weekend.
And it’s official that Samoa has one female and one male lifter qualified for the Rio Olympic Games this year.
“We will make a decision on who will be going this week,” said Tuaopepe, president and head coach of S.W.F. in an emailed response to who the lucky two would be..
Tuaopepe said the competition started on Thursday with Nevo Ioane 62kg and Don Opeloge 77kg as the first lifters.
At the end of the first day, Nevo Ioane got a Silver Medal while Don Opeloge won Gold Medal.
“Nevo was unlucky probably because it was the greatest battle and both had equal totals,” he said.
“But he lost on heavier bodyweight and he lifted a total of more than the Commonwealth Gold medallist at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.”
On Friday, six lifters competed in the competition and they were Mary Opeloge, Siaosi Leuo, Sanele Mao, Maeu Nanai Livi, Koriata Petelo and Tovale Faasipa.
Tuaopepe said it was a successful day for Samoa as they won 5 gold medals, 3 silver medals and 1 bronze.
It was a very tough battle and Saturday, which was the last day of the competition was the turn of the heavyweights.
The final result for Samoa was: eight Gold Medals, three Silver medals and one Bronze medal
Samoa also won the Best Overall Team trophy and points in both Female and Male.
“It was a very good performance especially from the junior lifters stepping up,” said coach Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork.
Yesterday the team headed back to Samoa and will commence preparations for Rio.
SOME OF THE RESULTS:
Maeu Nanai Livi 85kg - Gold Medal
Petunu Opeloge 85kg – Silver Medal
Siaosi Leuo 94kg – Gold Medal
Koriata Petelo 94kg – Bronze Medal
Tovale Faasipa 105kg – Gold Medal
Sagele Mao 105kg – Silver Medal
Feagaiga Stowers 69+kg – Gold Medal
Mary Opeloge 75 kg – Gold Medal