Australian weightlifter Eileen Cikamatana shared with SUNsports that the upcoming Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship (CWC) is an opportunity for her to assess her performance following the recent Paris Olympics.
Cikamatana emphasized that her training for this tournament began a few weeks ago. “I’m just here to move my body and compete alongside other athletes from the Commonwealth region, while enjoying the tournament with my fellow participants,” she remarked.
Her coach, Paul Coffa, sets specific targets for her at each competition. Cikamatana expressed her desire to enjoy the experience in front of her friends and family, who have traveled from various islands to support her.
“It’s motivating to see everyone lifting and pursuing their dreams as athletes. I find it inspiring to hear their stories of determination in becoming elite competitors,” she added.
Cikamatana also noted the importance of the new generation of lifters participating in the tournament, expressing her support for youth and junior lifters. “I encourage them to persevere and not give up too soon. Remember, success doesn’t come overnight; it is the result of hard work, commitment, and sacrifice.”
She expressed her pride in representing Australia in her home country, mentioning that her last competition there was in 2016, making this her return after eight years. Cikamatana is set to compete on Friday at 4:30 PM in both the 87kg and 81kg plus categories.
She urged the people of Fiji to come out in large numbers to support the weightlifters from the Commonwealth region. The tournament commenced yesterday at the Vodafone Arena and will wrap up on Saturday.