Australian weightlifter Eileen Cikamatana shared her thoughts with SUNsports about the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship (CWC), highlighting it as an opportunity to assess her performance following the recent Paris Olympics.
“I’ve been training over the past few weeks to prepare for the tournament,” Cikamatana mentioned. She expressed her eagerness to participate alongside athletes from the Commonwealth region, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the competition alongside fellow participants.
According to Cikamatana, her coach, Paul Coffa, sets specific goals for each tournament she enters. “I want to make the most of this experience in front of my friends and family who have traveled from various islands to support me,” she stated.
She also noted the inspiration she draws from witnessing others pursue their athletic dreams. “It’s encouraging to see everyone lifting and striving to achieve their goals as athletes. Their stories of becoming elite competitors are motivating,” she added.
Cikamatana appreciated the presence of younger lifters at the tournament, offering her support and encouragement. “I want to motivate youth and junior lifters, urging them not to give up too soon,” she said. “Remember that success takes time, requiring hard work, commitment, and sacrifice.”
Returning to compete in her home country for the first time since 2016, Cikamatana expressed her pride in representing Australia. “I am back after eight years,” she said, announcing her participation scheduled for Friday at 4:30 p.m. in the 87kg and 81kg plus categories.
She called on the people of Fiji to come out and show their support for weightlifters from the Commonwealth region. The tournament commenced yesterday at the Vodafone Arena and will wrap up on Saturday.