Six weightlifting athletes are currently engaged in a demanding six-week training camp at the Oceania Weightlifting Institute & Academy in Apia, Samoa, designed to elevate their skills and performance. Head coach Henry Elder reports that the training regimen is intense and requires significant dedication from the athletes.
The athletes undergo single training sessions on Wednesdays and Saturdays, while double sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays offer additional opportunities for development. This week’s schedule featured three training sessions across Monday and Tuesday, beginning at 5 am, 11 am, and 5 pm.
Elder emphasizes the importance of adherence to the training program, stating, “The primary focus of the training camp is on the proper completion of training programs, exercises, sets, and each repetition.” He also highlights the need for discipline and respect among the athletes, urging them to appreciate the resources allocated to their training and the necessity of delivering results.
Currently, Fiji is the only participating country, although it is expected that Palau, Papua New Guinea, and the Marshall Islands will join in the coming weeks. The camp also showcases elite lifters from Samoa, including Commonwealth Champions Sangele Mao and June Luniarra Sipaia, and 2024 Men’s 71kg Commonwealth Champion John Tafi, along with other notable athletes such as Seine Stowers and Jack Opeloge.
In another development, Samoa will host the Oceania Talent Identification Program (OTIP) at the Tuanaimato Sports Complex, which served as the venue for the 2019 Pacific Games. This program, designed for youth athletes aged 13-17, will cover essential weightlifting techniques, safety in training spaces, and important ethical considerations in sports. Della Shaw Elder, vice president of Oceania Weightlifting, will oversee the program, which will include participation from two young lifters from Fiji, Iowane Claude and Alina Fanifau, accompanied by their coach Timothy Vakuruivalu.
As the training camp progresses, the athletes are gradually acclimating to their environment and training schedules, fostering a sense of camaraderie and competitive spirit that will surely enhance their skills and readiness for future competitions. The camp, which started last week, is set to conclude next month, promising valuable experiences and growth for all participants.
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