Australian weightlifter Eileen Cikamatana shared with SUNsports that the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship (CWC) will be a key opportunity for her to assess her performance following the recent Paris Olympics.
Cikamatana mentioned, “I began training a few weeks ago to prepare for the upcoming tournament.” She expressed her eagerness to engage with fellow athletes from the Commonwealth and enjoy the competition alongside them.
Her coach, Paul Coffa, sets specific goals for her participation in each tournament. Cikamatana stated, “I want to make the most of this experience in front of my friends and family who have traveled across the islands to support me.”
Observing other athletes striving for their goals, she finds inspiration in their stories of pursuing elite athleticism. Cikamatana noted that it is encouraging to see a new generation of lifters competing in the tournament.
“I actively support youth and junior lifters, providing them encouragement so they don’t give up too soon,” she added. “Remember, achieving your dreams requires hard work, commitment, and sacrifice.”
Cikamatana is particularly thrilled to represent Australia on home soil, noting her last competition in the country was in 2016 — eight years ago. She will compete on Friday at 4:30 PM in the 87kg and 81kg plus categories.
She also encouraged the people of Fiji to come out and support the Commonwealth weightlifters. The tournament kicked off at the Vodafone Arena and will run until Saturday.