Stowers a special athlete

By Ulimasao Fata 17 April 2018, 12:00AM

Samoa’s golden girl, Feagaiga Stowers, not only is a champion, but a special athlete. 

National weightlifting coach, Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork, made this comment during an interview with the Samoa Observer.

Tuaopepe said he saw potential in Stowers the first time he had met her. 

“Feagaiga is a special young lady. I think when I say special, she’s had a bit of tough upbringing and when we identify her, it wasn’t only her, there were a few others.

“I identified her and I saw it right from the start that these girls have something special to offer weightlifting. 

“And we still needed to instill the discipline, the drive, the direction to guide her,” he said.

Tuaopepe mentioned Stowers has a lot to give to the sport and she has the potential to win medals.

“She’s a quiet young lady, doesn’t say a word even up to now, she rarely says a word to her coach, who’s with her every day or twice a day. She just says yes or no.

“Even when she’s injured, she still doesn’t say a word, so I have to find out from some of the senior girls that she’s injured.

“So for her to reach this level at this young age, and she’s only been lifting for three years, or little bit less than three years, is fantastic.”

When asked what message he gave to Stowers before competing against New Zealand transgender, Laurel Hubbard, at the Commonwealth Games, he said: “That morning before she lifted, we first had a team prayer giving everything up to God first to help our team and then I told her that anything is possible.

“No one can be unbeaten in this world; even Goliath was beaten by young David. You can beat anybody if you give it your best.”

Tuaopepe believes Stowers is the next Ele Opeloge there is for Samoa National Weightlifting team, if she continues the hard work she is doing.

He also stated that he is happy that weightlifting has saved her and given her the right path to follow.

“It’s an improvement that is rarely found and I see her going to the Olympic Games if she continues the way she is as a medalist. She is a medal hope for Samoa.

“She has the same natural talent as Ele.  I’m hoping all the best for her and I am happy that this has come up for her. It gives her something to forward to.”

By Ulimasao Fata 17 April 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>