Australian weightlifter Eileen Cikamatana announced that the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship (CWC) will be an important opportunity to assess her performance following her participation in the recent Paris Olympics.
“I have been training for the past few weeks to prepare for the upcoming tournament,” Cikamatana stated. She expressed her enthusiasm about competing with other athletes from the Commonwealth region and enjoying the event with fellow participants.
Cikamatana mentioned that her coach, Paul Coffa, sets specific targets for her at every tournament. “I want to make the most of this experience in front of my friends and family who have come from various islands to support me,” she remarked.
She highlighted the motivation derived from witnessing other athletes pursuing their dreams. “It’s inspiring to hear their stories and see everyone lifting,” she added.
Cikamatana noted the positive trend of a new generation of lifters participating in the tournament. “I encourage youth and junior lifters to stay committed and not give up too early,” she advised. “Success doesn’t come overnight; it requires hard work, dedication, and sacrifice.”
Excited to represent Australia in her home country, Cikamatana expressed, “I last competed here in 2016, and I’m back after eight years.” She will compete on Friday at 4:30 PM in the 87kg and 81kg plus categories.
Cikamatana encouraged the people of Fiji to come out and support the weightlifters from the Commonwealth region. The tournament commenced at the Vodafone Arena yesterday and will conclude on Saturday.