WEIGHT-LIFTING Fiji gold medal prospect Apolonia Vaivai said the test had begun for their Commonwealth Games preparation.

Vaivai, along with her fellow athletes, participated in their first trial yesterday at the National Fitness Centre.

“This is our first test in identifying which level are we in,” she said.

“We’ve been training for the past weeks and today (yesterday) we will see what is our individual result and from there we will try to improve on our training to meet the criteria that our coach has laid down for us before our next trial.

“Come Commonwealth Games in April we will know what weight we can lift. The test begins now and all the athletes know what is expected from them. We all have one common goal and that is to win gold.”

The 2014 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist in the 75kg category says it is another time for sacrifice, hard work and determination.

“Having sleepless nights and spending time away from your family are something that all the athletes go through and to win a medal in any competition makes everything worth it.

“We might have a small number of athletes but pure love for this sport makes us work hard to achieve our goal and dedicate it to our family.

“We have two more trials and we can know for sure where we stand individually.”

The 27-year-old Tavuki Taveuni lass said every year was a challenge and they would want to make every sacrifice worth it.