Australian weightlifter Eileen Cikamatana shared with SUNsports that the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship (CWC) will be an opportunity for her to assess her performance following the recent Paris Olympics.
“I began training a few weeks ago to prepare for the upcoming tournament,” Cikamatana mentioned. She emphasized her goal is to engage in competition with fellow athletes from the Commonwealth region and to enjoy the experience with those who have come to support her.
Cikamatana noted that her coach, Paul Coffa, sets specific targets for her during every competition. “I want to enjoy being in front of my friends and family who have traveled from various islands to see me compete,” she added.
She expressed her enthusiasm for witnessing other athletes pursue their dreams. “It’s inspiring to hear their stories about becoming elite athletes,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of supporting the next generation of lifters.
Cikamatana is committed to encouraging young and junior lifters, urging them not to give up too easily. “Don’t abandon your dreams because success requires hard work, commitment, and sacrifice,” she advised.
She also expressed her delight at representing Australia in her home country, noting her last competition there was in 2016. “I’m back after eight years,” she said, revealing her participation in the 87kg and 81kg plus categories on Friday at 4:30 PM.
Cikamatana encouraged the people of Fiji to come out in large numbers to support weightlifters from the Commonwealth region. The tournament commenced at the Vodafone Arena yesterday and will wrap up on Saturday.