Australian weightlifter Eileen Cikamatana shared with SUNsports that the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship (CWC) will act as a key measure of her performance following her participation in the recent Paris Olympics.
Cikamatana mentioned that she began her training in recent weeks to prepare for the tournament. “I’m just here to move my body and compete with fellow athletes from the Commonwealth region while enjoying the event,” she stated.
Her coach, Paul Coffa, sets objectives for all the tournaments she competes in. “I want to have as much fun as possible in front of my friends and family who have traveled from various islands to support me,” she expressed.
She finds inspiration in witnessing others pursue their athletic dreams. “It’s uplifting to see everyone lifting and sharing their stories about striving to become elite athletes,” Cikamatana added.
Cikamatana also emphasized the significance of the new generation of lifters participating in the tournament, stating her support for youth and junior athletes. “I encourage them not to give up too soon; success requires hard work, commitment, and sacrifice,” she advised.
Expressing her pride in representing Australia, Cikamatana noted that it had been eight years since her last competition in her home country. “I last competed here in 2016, and I’m back,” she said.
She will compete on Friday at 4:30 PM in the 87kg and 81kg plus categories. Cikamatana urged the people of Fiji to turn out in large numbers to support weightlifters from across the Commonwealth.
The tournament commenced at the Vodafone Arena yesterday and will conclude on Saturday.