Samoan Weightlifters end year with record breaking performance

By Talaia Mika

APIA, SAMOA – 29 NOVEMBBER 2022: Samoan Weightlifters who claimed Gold and Silver medals in the recent Birmingham Commonwealth Games have ended the year with a smashing performance and setting six Oceania records at last week’s SBD Olympic Weightlifting Masters in Tauranga, New Zealand.

Don Opeloge won the Men’s 102kg Division breaking and setting three new Oceania records in a Snatch Record of 160kg, Clean + Jerk Record 207kg with a total Record of 367kg.

Feagaiga Stowers won the Women’s 87+kg Senior Division and a new Oceania Senior Record with a massive lift of 158kg in the Clean + Jerk.

In the Men’s 73kg division, John Tafi set a new Oceania Junior Record with a 130kg Snatch.

The sixth new record was set by Tovio Ah Chong who won the Men’s Youth and Junior 89kg division with a new Oceania Youth Record of 144kg in the Clean + Jerk.

Feagaiga Stowers breaking the Oceania Senior Record with a massive New Record of 158kg Clean + Jerk

Besides the new records set by Team Samoa, four other young Samoan weightlifters dominated several divisions such as young Avatu Opeloge who won the Women’s 76kg Senior & Junior Division.

Fifteen-years-old Imosina Pelenato also won the Women’s Youth 87kg Division, Lesila Fiapule won the women’s Junior Division 87+kg, and 16 year old Faustina Opeloge came second in the Womens 81kg Senior Division.

Weightlifting coach, Tuaopepe Asiata Jerry Wallwork commended his team for their performance and the Government for the overall support that lifted the team spirit in the championship.

“Overall, a fantastic performance and great way to end the year 2022. Congratulations to the lifters for working hard and putting in the commitment,” said Tuaopepe.

“Special thank you to the Government of Samoa and SASNOC for the strong support and financial assistance making this trip possible. Also I commend my Coaching Team who have contributed to our unity and success as a team.”

In conclusion, the team, overwhelmed with delight concluded their performance on stage with the Toa Samoa Sivatau to salute their achievements and success as a team.

Samoa’s weightlifting team at Faleolo international airport departing for the New Zealand Open Championships 2022