Samoa Weightlifters Withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics

A statement from the President of the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympics Committee (SASNOC), Patrick Fepuleai said the three Samoa based weightlifters have been withdrawn from the Olympics but the rest of the team will compete as they are based overseas.

Of the 11 Samoan athletes who qualified:

• 3 are based in Samoa – Weightlifting Team;
• 2 are based in Australia – Boxing team;
• 4 are based in New Zealand – Sailing and Canoeing;
• 1 in the US – Athletics and
• 1 is already in Japan – Judo.

In addition are the coaches and the management team that would accompany these athletes.

“We fully understand the logic behind the Government decision, especially the need to protect Samoa from the virus, especially the new mutation now spreading around the world. We only have to look to Fiji to see the impact of the virus and the need to protect our borders,” explained the SASNOC President, Patrick Fepulea’i.

“In respect of the Government decision, SASNOC and the Samoa Weightlifting Federation are withdrawing the weightlifting team from going to the Olympic Games.”

Weightlifting is Samoa’s best prospect for another Olympics medal with female Silver medallist weightlifter Ele Opeloge as the first and only Samoan athlete (so far) to win an Olympics medal.

“Samoa, however will be represented at the Olympics by our other athletes who are based overseas. When the Games are over, they will be heading back to their overseas bases. None will be returning to Samoa,” said Fepulea’i.

“At the same time, we are working closely with Oceania National Olympic Team (ONOC) and the Japanese Organising Committee to ensure that the health protocols in place are followed to ensure the safety of our athletes as well as provide remote support to our Team, said Fepulea’i.