Weightlifter

Samoan weightlifter Lauititi Lui almost home

The 22-year-old tore his meniscus and anterior cruciate ligaments during his final lift on the Gold Coast, but still came away with a silver medal.

Since undergoing surgery, Lui had been staying with family in Brisbane while he began his recovery.

Samoa Weightlifting Federation head coach Jerry Wallwork said so far it was going well.

"He went through an operation (and now) he's getting his rehab with all the proper professionals: a physiotherapist and a surgeon, so we're very happy" he said.

Weightlifter David Liti 'outstanding athlete' of Games

He was awarded the David Dixon Award, given out at each Commonwealth Games.

The award is based on an athlete's performance at the event, fair play, and overall contribution to their team's participation at the Games. It is chosen by the Athletes' Advisory Commission.

In a speech at the closing ceremony, the Commonwealth Games Federation President, Louise Martin said Liti exhibited great sportsmanship and consideration for his fellow competitors while competing at the highest level.

"I can't describe it - it's been a great Games and this just tops it off", said Liti

Lifter Sanele Mao scoops gold medal for Samoa

Mao claimed just Samoa's fourth Commonwealth Games gold medal when he hauled a combined 360kg in the men's 105kg class on the Gold Coast today, and second medal of any colour at these games following fellow lifter 18-year-old Don Opeloge's silver at 85kg. 

In honour of his favourite athlete he pulled out, Usain Bolt's trademark lightning bolt celebration after each successful lift, and watched proudly on as the Samoan anthem rung out when his success was confirmed.

"I'm so happy to win a gold medal - the first gold for my team and my country.

Samoan lifter comes up short at Commonwealth Games

A bronze medallist in Glasgow four years ago, Ioane was forced to settle for fourth place on the Gold Coast, in the men's 69kg division, with a total of 292kg.

The 29 year-old finished seven kilograms adrift of gold medallist Gareth Evans of Wales, after failing to land his final two clean and jerk attempts.

Head Coach Jerry Wallwork said Ioane paid the price for only completing two of his six lifts.

Samoan weightlifter cleared, ban overturned

But the decision by the International Weightlifting Federation has come too late for the 24-year-old to compete at the Commonwealth Games.

Iuniarra Sipaia was originally banned for using triamcinolone acetonide at the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in September.

The Samoa Weightifting Federation appealed, saying they had been using the drug to treat injuries for years and were not made aware the rules had changed.

Federation President Jerry Wallwork said it was a relief Sipaia's name had been cleared.

Samoa still waiting for Olympic medal confirmation

RNZ reports Opeloge initially finished fourth in the women's over 75kg division at the 2008 Beijing Games.

But in August, a re-analysis of samples from eight years ago found the silver medallist, Olha Korobka from Ukraine, and bronze medallist, Mariya Grabovetskaya from Kazakhstan, tested positive for banned substances.

Korobka's provisional suspension was confirmed by the International Olympic Committee last month, ensuring Opeloge a podium finish.

Fila Fuamatu powers to Pacific Games

The powerlifter is perfecting her form in preparation for the 2015 Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea.

She will represent Samoa in the male-dominated sport. 

"I just want to encourage others," she says.

"There are so many opportunities for women out there. They just don't know how strong they are."

Fuamatu, wo lives in the Auckland suburb of Onehunga, was born in New Zealand but worked in Samoa for eight years as a sports co-ordinator.

It was during this time she discovered all of the benefits of being involved in sport.