Australian weightlifter Eileen Cikamatana shared with SUNsports that the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship (CWC) will act as a benchmark for her performance following her recent participation in the Paris Olympics.
“I started training a few weeks ago in preparation for this tournament,” Cikamatana stated.
She expressed her enthusiasm for competing alongside other athletes from the Commonwealth and celebrating the spirit of competition. “I’m here to engage with the athletes and enjoy the tournament alongside everyone else,” she added.
Cikamatana mentioned that her coach, Paul Coffa, sets specific goals for her in each tournament.
“I want to make the most of this opportunity in front of my friends and family who have traveled from across the islands to support me,” she said.
Cikamatana noted the uplifting experience of witnessing fellow athletes pursuing their dreams. “It’s inspiring to hear their stories about striving to become elite athletes,” she remarked.
She also highlighted the significance of the younger generation of lifters participating in the tournament. “I am supportive of the youth and junior lifters, and I aim to encourage them not to give up too soon,” she said.
“Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight; it requires hard work, commitment, and sacrifice,” she advised.
Cikamatana expressed her pride in representing Australia in her home country. “I last competed here in 2016, and it feels good to be back after eight years,” she noted.
She will compete on Friday at 4:30 PM in the 87kg and 81kg plus categories.
Cikamatana has called on the people of Fiji to come out and support the weightlifters from the Commonwealth region. The tournament kicked off at the Vodafone Arena yesterday and is set to conclude on Saturday.