Samoa Weightlifting

The two female lifters that will be representing the island nation are Lesila Fiapule and Iuniarra Sipaia.

Fiapule will be lifting in the 87kg category and Sipaia in the 87+kg category.

Commonwealth Games Gold medalist, Don Opeloge will be lifting in the 102kg, Nevo Ioane in the 67kg, Jone Tafi in the 73kg, Maeu Nanai Livi in 96kg and Sanele Mao to lift in the 109kg category.

The competition will be held in India on the 11th - 17th July 2023.

Weightlifting Samoa confirmed that there is a group of 16 weightlifters including men and women from the Republic of Mashall Island, Fiji, Kiribati and Tuvalu.

The training is being facilitated by Samoa's own Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork. 

Weightlifters in the region have been drawn to prepare in Samoa, after their performance at the Commonwealth Games, last year. 

Samoa Weightlifting Federations confirmed that Opeloge collected the prize money of $1000 AUD after setting two new Commonwealth and Oceania records at the competition on the weekend.

Samoa showed dominance after Sanele Mao powered through to win the Men's 109+kg.

Nevo Ioane claimed victory in the Men's 67kg division.

The weightlifters went through a training session at the OWI Institute in Dramana.

The team will feature their Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Don Opeloge and bronze medalist, Nevo Ioane.

The tournament will be held on Saturday at the Victorian Weightlifting Stadium in Hawthorn.

TEAM SAMOA

FEMALE

Avatu Opeloge 76kg

Lesila Fiapule 87kg

Feagaiga Stowers 87+kg

MALE

Nevo Ioane 67kg

John Tafi 73kg

Tovio Ah Chong 81kg

Don Opeloge 102kg

Sanele Mao 109kg

“It is a Samoan magic necklace, which we use for good luck and friendship. Jeremy is my friend and I thought to put in across his neck to wish him luck," the Samoan weightlifter said later as the participants left the venue, with broad smiles on their faces and medals across their necks.

The 15-year-old lifted a 140kg clean and jerk.

The record lift was confirmed by the Samoa Weightlifting Federation.

The weightlifting competition continues with gold medals for Stevick Patris of Palau in the men’s 81 kilogram, Manuila Raobu of Tuvalu in the men’s 73kg, Ruben Katoatau of Kiribati in the men’s 67kg, Jacinta Sumagaysay of Guam in women’s 64kg and Natalie Setiadji of Australia in the women’s 59kg.

The achievement was accomplished after weightlifters claimed the overall championship trophy for both the women's and men’s divisions.

Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic President, Pauga Tala Pauga said the 11 medalists have automatically qualified for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this year.

“We salute and recognise the dedication and hard work by our weightlifters and Coach/President Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork in their continued success, not only in the Oceania region, but on the international arena as well.”

The League attracted eight countries and territories from the Oceania region.

Samoa has maintained its lead since the start of the competition after defeating Australia in the first round and overwhelming the Fiji weightlifting team in the second round.

The third round win against Kiribati further solidified Samoa’s hopes of taking first place when the competition concludes.

SASNOC released a statement this afternoon following the Caretaker Government’s announcement that Team Samoa was withdrawing from participating due to the high number of COVID-19 cases in Japan.

The Caretaker Cabinet decided yesterday (Wednesday) to prevent Team Samoa from travelling to Japan due to COVID-19.

The Caretaker Minister of Communications, Afamasaga Rico Tupa'i, said that with reports Japan has a 500 daily infection rate, the Cabinet decided prevention takes precedence according to RNZ Pacific.

Her qualification has been confirmed by SWA Samoa Weightlifting President Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork.

The 27-year-old is competing in the super weight category and is ranked 8th in the world.

She has represented Samoa in several international competitions such as Pacific Mini Games, Commonwealth Games, Oceania Weightlifting Championships and Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games.

Sipaia won bronze medal in the 2011 Pacific Games.