The Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee celebrated their athletes tonight in a special medal ceremony held at the Faleata Sports complex for the winners of the 2021 Oceania Senior Weightlifting Championships.
President of the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC) Pauga Talalelei Pauga presented the medalists with their medals.
The Samoa Weightlifting Federation (SWF) and its athletes have been recognised for their hard work and efforts to secure top placings in weightlifting in the Oceania region.
Because of the pandemic, opportunities for the weightlifters to compete on regional and international levels in the previous year were limited. Due to the Oceania Weightlifting Federation holding competitions virtually, it allowed Samoa to compete in the 2021 Oceania Senior Weightlifting Championships Online Live Tournament from 24th – 26th September 2021.
The team secured six Gold Medals, 2 Silver Medals, and 1 Bronze Medal in both Men and Women divisions.
Men
- 67kg GOLD MEDAL Nevo Ioane
- 73kg GOLD MEDAL John Tafi
- 96kg GOLD MEDAL Don Opeloge
- 102kg GOLD MEDAL Jack Opeloge
- 109kg GOLD MEDAL Petelo Lautusi
Women
- 76kg BRONZE MEDAL Avatu Opeloge
- 87kg SILVER MEDAL Imoasina Pelenato
- 87+kg GOLD MEDAL Feagaiga Stowers
- 87+kg SILVER MEDAL Iuniarra Sipaia
According to SASNOC, the results put the athletes in a good position for the upcoming 2022 Pacific Mini Games in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Image Credit: Talamua Media – Samoa Weightlifting Federation Medal Presentations Live Stream