Weightlifters for World Championships selected

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 06 September 2018, 12:00AM

Five weightlifters will represent Samoa at the International Weightlifting Federation’s Senior World Championships next month.

They are Iuniarra Sipaia, Nevo Ioane, Petunu Opeloge, Koliata Petelo and Sanele Mao.

The team was selected from the trials the Samoa Weightlifting Federation held last weekend.

According to President and coach of the Samoa Weight Lifting Federation, Tuaopepe Asiata Wallwork, they have also selected the weightlifter that will represent Samoa in the Youth Olympics next month.

“We have also already selected the lifter that will represent Samoa in the Youth Olympic Games which is also held next month. She is Lesila Fiapule.”

“But that’s the team for the World Championships we have two reserves and it was based on their performance, it was not up to standard on the day are Sekolisitika Isaia, Feagaiga Stowers and Don Opeloge.”

“Don is on reserve because he did not compete on Saturday because he’s injured, so he’s on reserve, as of now the reserves will not be going to the World Championships and we have to see if we have enough findings then we will look into taking them.They also have to perform in order for me to take them.”

Tuaopepe said they are waiting for funding from the Government.

“We have put in a request for some funds from the government so right now we still haven’t heard back from the Government.”

“I’m hoping this time they will be able to grant our request so as soon as that’s confirm then surely we will be going to try and qualify these five,” he said. 

When asked on what options they had if the Government did not come good, he said it would mean that they will not travel. 

“It means we will not be going. If the government does not give us any funds that means the team will not be going, I mean we can try and fund it but it would mean only one or two will be going to the World Championships.”

“However, bear in mind like I always said before these are the most important tournaments, because this is one of the six tournaments that lifters have to participate, in order for them to have a spot in the Olympic Games in 2020.”

“And all of the six tournaments it is a must for lifters from every single country to participate if they don’t that means there is a very little chance of them making it to the Olympic.”

Speaking about the World Championships, Tuaopepe said a total of 112 countries will participate in the World Championship which is scheduled to start on October 6 and has a two-week duration.

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 06 September 2018, 12:00AM
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