DANIEL Shaw secured a bronze medal for Fiji, at the 2024 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, held at the Vodafone Arena in Suva yesterday.
Shaw emerged victorious in the men’s 81kg A category, both the snatch and clean and jerk categories, lifting 115kg and 146kg respectively.
His success was the result of resilient preparation, after sustaining an injury that hindered his training and performance.
“All the hard work paid off, especially coming back from a really bad injury. I expected more, but this was my portion.”
In gearing up for the competition, he highlighted how he started lifting heavier weights earlier this year.
“It was a bit hard because I just started lifting heavy around May-June.”
“I started to lift really heavy weights overhead so I didn’t get enough time to prepare. That was it,” he added.
He expressed gratitude following the win, however he felt he could have done better during the three attempts given for both categories.
“After the snatch I was sitting at bronze but in the CJ, in my last attempt, if I had got my last attempt, it would have made me secure silver, but it was unsuccessful, I’m still grateful though.”
In both categories, he amassed a total of 261 points during the competition yesterday.
He acknowledged the support of Weightlifting Fiji for their support and trust in him.
“To be honest, I just want to thank the president for Weightlifting Fiji, and the head coach for trusting me, believing in me and helping rebuild myself, and compete internationally.
“It’s just a blessing.”
The 19-year-old now has his eyes set on the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau, stating that he has enough time to prepare himself for the competition. || Weightlifting – Daniel Shaw || Daniel Shaw wins bronze for Fiji in Commonwealth championships.
