The SWA Samoa Weightlifting athletes who competed in the OWF Online Weightlifting International Cup last weekend all came out with cash prizes with powerhouse lifter Don Opeloge taking first place in the men's division.

Six athletes from the SWA Samoa Weightlifting squad competed and they all made it into the competition's Top 6 and have won cash prizes. The six weightlifters were Don Opeloge, Nevo Ioane, Petelo Lautusi, Iuniarra Sipaia, Leotina Petelo and Lesila Fiapule.

President Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork said he was very proud of his team's performance and indicated that they will continue to train for upcoming tournaments.

He said his three weightlifters will also compete in the Tokyo Olympics and they will continue to train hard for that competition.

"The SWA Samoa Weightlifting Team competed in the OWF Online LIVE CUP over the weekend on the 26th - 27th June 2021," he said.

"Fantastic results achieved by the team and great prize money won by every member who competed. The SWA Weightlifting Team dominated most of the cash prizes.

"Samoa dominated and took home the bulk of the prize money, this money goes directly to the athletes."

However, not only did the Samoan lifters get the spoils with Apia-based resident Tuvaluan weightlifter Manuila Raobu also winning prize money. The results are as follows:

Mens Division:

• Don Opeloge - AUSD $4,000 (Samoa)
• Nevo Ioane - AUSD $3,000 (Samoa)
• Petelo Lautusi - AUSD $2,000 (Samoa)
• Morea Baru - AUSD $1,500 (PNG)
• Matthew Lydement - AUSD $1,000 (Australia)
• Manuila Raobu - AUSD $500 (Tuvalu)
• Elson Brechtefeld (Nauru)
• Matahi Tahaipuoho (Tahiti)
• Stan Eddie Donga (Solomon Is)
• Igo Loha (PNG)
• Shadrack Cain (Nauru)
• David Katoatau (Kiribati)
• Thomas Wilbur (Vanuatu)
• Robinson Wotlelen (Vanuatu)
• Larko Doguape (Nauru)
• Ryley Porter (Australia) 

Women:

• Eileen Cikamatana - AUSD $4,000 (Australia)
• Iuniarra Sipaia - AUSD $3,000 (Samoa)
• Leotina Petelo - AUSD $2,000 (Samoa) 
• Lesila Fiapule - AUSD $1,500 (Samoa)
• Nancy Abouke - AUSD $1,000 (Nauru)
• Jenly Wini - AUSD $500 (Solomon Is)
• Dika Toua (PNG)
• Megal Signal (New Zealand)
• Darcy Kay (Australia)
• Ebony Gorincu (Australia)
• Brenna Kean (Australia)
• Mary Lifu (Solomon Is)
• Nicola Lagatao (Guam)
• Olivia Selemia (New Zealand)
• Denny Dabin (New Caledonia)
• Ajah M Pritchard-Lolo (Vanuatu)
• Faahei Vaiauri (Tahiti)

The total amount that was secured by the six lifters in Samoa is AU$15,500 altogether. These prize money will go straight to the athletes who won.