Website Guide HERE
X
Don Opeloge, Samoa's 25-year-old weightlifting sensation, faced a tough challenge in his Olympic debut in the 102kg event.
Elizabeth Osifelo/PACNEWS
Despite high hopes, Opeloge was unable to advance to the clean and jerk after three unsuccessful attempts in the snatch.
“I’ll be back stronger,” Opeloge vowed, reflecting on his experience at the Olympic Games.
“I can’t put into words how I’m feeling right now.
“I am very sorry,” he said.
Opeloge previously won gold in the 96kg event at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and silver in the men’s 85kg at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast.
While the outcome was not what he had hoped for, Opeloge is determined to train harder.
“I will never forget this experience, but it is what it is,” he remarked.
He apologized to the people of Samoa, his family, and his coaching staff for the unexpected performance.
“I was feeling strong.
“Everything was okay during my warm-up.
“I just don’t know what happened, and I’m sorry,” Opeloge explained.
After missing out on the clean and jerk, Opeloge expressed his gratitude to his team, his family, and the people of Samoa for their unwavering support.
###
About ONOC
Established in 1981, the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) is one of five Continental Associations. It looks after the interests of 17 member nations in the Oceania Region, including Australia and New Zealand as well as seven associate members.
ONOC has an office in Guam where Secretary General Mr. Ricardo Blas is based and the Secretariat in Suva, Fiji, where the Office of the President Dr Robin Mitchell is located.
All services and-programmes are based on the ONOC Strategic Plan for 2021-2024, and its 4 Core Functions are (1) Strengthening NOC Services (2) Supporting Sporting Excellence (3) Cultivating Strategic Partnerships and (4) Leading by Example.
###
For more information, please contact;
Shivneel Narayan
Chief Communications Officer (Acting)
shivneel@oceanianoc.org
###
Digital Channels
For up-to-the-minute information on ONOC and regular updates, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram LinkedIn and YouTube.
