Samoa receives its first Olympic medal after Ukranian drug cheats exposed

Samoa has received its first Olympic medal more than eight years after their weightlifter Ele Opeloge came fourth at the Beijing Olympics.

This week Opeloge was awarded a silver medal after two medal winners were exposed as drug cheats.

"I am so happy and thankful to God and the people of Samoa, supporting me," said Opeloge.

1 News reports in 2008 Samoa expected her to bring home the country's first Olympic medal, so her fourth place in China was devastating.

The Ukranian silver and bronze medal athletes tested positive for banned substances, cheating Opeloge of her Olympic moment.

In Samoa Opeloge was presented with her Olympic silver medal on Thursday night.