The Samoa Weightlifting team made history at the Oceania International Cup held in Melbourne, Australia, concluding an impressive competition with a tally of 13 gold medals, three silver medals, and three bronze medals. In total, the team set an astonishing 18 new Oceania records and two Commonwealth records.
President of Samoa Weightlifting, Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork, expressed immense pride in his team’s performance, stating, “This is the best-performing team ever in the history of Samoa sports team participating at an Oceania Championships.” Key highlights included Avatu Opeloge winning gold in the Women’s 77 kg category, and Lesila Fiapule also claiming gold while setting a record for the Oceania Senior with a 111 kg snatch.
Additional noteworthy performances included Iuniarra Sipaia, who earned a silver medal in the Women’s 86+ kg category and set a new Oceania record in the Clean and Jerk with a 150 kg lift, and Jack Opeloge, who won in the Men’s 110 kg category and set a new Commonwealth and Oceania record with a lift of 207 kg.
The team also secured the title of ‘Best Team’ alongside individual accolades, with John Tafi recognized as the best lifter, while Sanele Mao was named the second best lifter.
Wallwork extended his gratitude to the Lord and thanked the supporters, sponsors such as the National Bank of Samoa, the Samoan government, and Pacific Aus Sports for their contributions. The team will continue their journey with a training camp concluding on April 18 before returning home.
This remarkable achievement not only highlights Samoa’s strength and dedication in weightlifting but also showcases the potential for further growth in the sport in the region. The successful outcomes from the Oceania International Cup foster optimism for future competitions and continued excellence among athletes in Samoa.
In recent developments regarding Samoa’s weightlifting prospects, the inauguration of the Oceania Institute & Academy for Weightlifting is set to further enhance training and support for athletes, reflecting the rising profile and commitment to the sport in the Pacific region. Looking ahead, lessons from this success can inspire future generations, paving the way for even greater accomplishments in the world of weightlifting.
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