YOUNG Tevita Tawai grabbed another gold medal for Fiji in the Pacific Games men’s 60 kilogram weightlifting competition at the Power Dome in Port Moresby yesterday.
Tawai did a 157kg in the clean and jerk to win the gold in the weightlifting event while his total of 267kg got him a bronze. For the snatch, he was placed fourth with a lift of 110kg.
The 23-year-old from Baba on Ovalau was overwhelmed with the lift and dedicated the win to his village gym.
“For me this is a win for those who have been helping at the gym in Baba in Ovalau. I would like to thank my family,” Tawai said. “This is also for the lifters who are preparing for the Commonwealth Youth Championship back at home.
“Coming into the Pacific Games, I knew I could do a gold medal lift. I came and I did it. I am a bit disappointed not being able to do a better lift in the snatch.”
“Everybody had counted me out after the snatch but I came back and did better than the rest. I am happy that I have got a gold medal. This is much better than my performance in the Mini Games.” Tawai said after the Pacific Games, his focus now shifts on the Oceania Championships where he hopes to make the Olympic qualification.
* Pacific Games coverage courtesy of BSP
