2008 Beijing Games

Ele Opeloge thankful for public support

The weightlifter won Samoa's first Olympic medal at the 2008 Beijing Games, after being upgraded to silver last year when two competitors were disqualified for drugs.

The Samoa Government refused to offer Opeloge a financial reward for her historic achievement, saying they would only do so for gold medal winners.

But the Samoa Observer newspaper has raised thousands of Tala for the 31-year-old after launching their own fundraising campaign.

"I'm very happy to come back and celebrate a medal next week," said Opeloge.

Samoa govt to review Olympic rewards policy

The weightlifter won Samoa's first Olympic medal at the 2008 Beijing Games, after being upgraded to silver when two competitors were disqualified for drugs.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said, last month, the government's policy was to only offer monetary awards for gold medal winners.

Sports Minister Loau Keneti Sio said that policy would now be revisited.