Samoa ready to host & to take weightlifting status further

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 24 April 2026: The Samoa weightlifting team is ready to put on their best performance when the Universal Weightlifting Cup 2026 tournament kicks off in Apia this weekend.

Samoa is set to make history as it hosts its first-ever Universal Weightlifting Competition, showcasing the nation’s growing prominence on the international sports stage.

With world-class facilities, strong government backing, and the support of major sponsors, Samoa is ready to welcome and host 500 world class athletes from over 70 countries.

The event is expected to be broadcast to 180 countries, promoting Samoa’s rich sporting culture and its capability to host major global competitions.

Samoa Weightlifting Federation President and also the Samoa Sports & National Olympic Committee (SASNOC) President, Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork said Samoa is not only ready to host, but ready to compete and is confident Samoa will fair-well in the competition.

Tuala Matthew Vaea, CEO of the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (SASNOC), Dr Professor Antonio Urso, Samoa Weightlifting President – Tuaopepe Asiata Jerry Wallwork and Paul Coffa – General Secretary of the Oceania Weightlifting Federation.

The Samoan team will comprise 16 athletes, eight women and eight men who are eager to make their make on this significant world stage.

“We feel that we are ready to host this event at this calibre. We have the world-class facilities, the support of government, major sponsors, and all the international weightlifting bodies,” said Tuaopepe.

Highlighting the strength of Samoa’s weightlifting program, Paul Coffa, General Secretary of the Oceania Weightlifting Federation praised the local talent and infrastructure.

He said the Samoan weightlifters under Tuaopepe are world standard, world class lifters and people need to come to Samoa to see it and also its unique sports facilities.

Despite uncertainties from some countries due to ongoing global conflicts, Tuaopepe confirmed that teams are making their way to Samoa, eager to participate.

Coffa said that Samoa is blessed to host the Universal Weightlifting Cup 2026 because Samoa has the best facilities and the world needs to come to Samoa to witness these facilities.

Athletes to Undergo Anti-Doping Measures Ensure Fair Competition
The competition will feature strict anti-doping protocols, with approximately 90 tests scheduled during the event.

Dr Professor Antonio Urso from the International Testing Anti-Doping body emphasized the importance of integrity in weightlifting.

“The agreement with the International Weightlifting Federation and the International Testing Anti-Doping ensures that testing is conducted fairly under the oversight of the International Olympic Committee,” said Dr. Urso.

Athletes selected in the competition that give any possibility to qualify in the biggest event will undergo testing at a cost of USD $58.

If funds are insufficient, the Organising Committee has committed to cover the expenses.

The anti-doping process is overseen by a special department that reviews results globally to determine which athletes and countries qualify for major competitions.

As Samoa prepares to host this historic event, the nation stands at the forefront of international weightlifting, demonstrating its capacity to deliver world-class competition and uphold the highest standards of fair play.