Australian weightlifter Eileen Cikamatana stated that the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship (CWC) will allow her to assess her performance following the recent Paris Olympics.
Cikamatana mentioned that she began training in recent weeks to prepare for the tournament. “I’m just here to move my body around and compete with the other athletes from the Commonwealth region and enjoy the tournament with other participants,” she said.
Her coach, Paul Coffa, sets targets for all the tournaments in which she participates. Cikamatana expressed her joy in performing in front of her friends and family who traveled from various islands to support her.
“It’s inspiring to see everyone lifting and pursuing their dreams as athletes. Hearing their stories about striving to become elite athletes they aspire to be is uplifting,” she remarked.
Cikamatana noted it was encouraging to see a new generation of lifters taking part in the tournament. She emphasized the importance of supporting youth and junior lifters, encouraging them not to give up too soon. “Success doesn’t come overnight; it comes with hard work, commitment, and sacrifice,” she added.
She also expressed her excitement about representing Australia in her home country, stating, “I last competed here in 2016, and I’m back after eight years.” Cikamatana plans to compete on Friday at 4:30 PM in 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 began at the Vodafone Arena yesterday and will conclude on Saturday.