Australian weightlifter Eileen Cikamatana spoke to SUNsports about the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship (CWC), highlighting it as an opportunity to assess her performance following the recent Paris Olympics.
“I began training a few weeks ago to prepare for the event,” Cikamatana stated. She emphasized her goal of enjoying the competition, stating, “I’m here to move my body and compete alongside athletes from the Commonwealth region, enjoying the tournament with other participants.”
Cikamatana mentioned that her coach, Paul Coffa, sets performance targets for all her competitions. “I aim to enjoy every moment in front of my friends and family who have traveled from various islands to support me,” she added.
She expressed excitement at witnessing fellow athletes pursuing their dreams, saying, “It’s inspiring to hear their stories about becoming elite athletes.” Cikamatana also noted the importance of the younger generation of lifters participating in the event, asserting her support for youth and junior lifters. “I encourage them not to give up too early, as success requires hard work, commitment, and sacrifice,” she urged.
Representing Australia in her home country brings her joy, especially since she last competed there in 2016. “I’m back after eight years,” Cikamatana shared. She is set to compete on Friday at 4:30 PM in the 87kg and 81kg plus categories.
Finally, Cikamatana encouraged the people of Fiji to turn out in large numbers to support the weightlifters from the Commonwealth region. The tournament commenced at Vodafone Arena yesterday and will wrap up on Saturday.