Australian Weightlifter Eileen Cikamatana told SUNsports yesterday that the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship (CWC) will serve as a platform to gauge her performance after the recent Paris Olympics.

“I started training the past few weeks to prepare for the ewe tournament,” Cikamatana said.

“I’m just here to move the body around and compete with the other athletes from the Commonwealth region and enjoy the tournament with other participants,” she said.

Cikamatana said her coach Paul Coffa sets her targets for all tournaments that she competes in.

“I want to enjoy as much as I can in front of my friends and family that came from across the islands to watch me compete,” she said.

“It’s good to see everyone lifting and chasing their dreams as an athlete. It’s inspiring to see theirstories about becoming an elite athlete that they aspire to be.”

Cikamatana said it was a good sign to see the new generation of lifters participating in the ewe tournament.

“I support the youth and junior lifters and I try to give them encouragement so they do not give up too young and too early,” she said.

“Don’t give up on your dreams because success doesn’t come overnight, it comes with hardwork, commitment and sacrifice.”

Cikamatana said she was glad to be representing Australia in her home country.

“I last competed here in 2016 and I’m back after eight years,” she said.

“I will be participating on Friday at 4.30pm in the 87kg and 81kg plus category.”

Cikamatana had urged the people of Fiji to come out in numbers to support weightlifters from theCommonwealth region.

The tournament started at the Vodafone Arena yesterday and will conclude on Saturday.

Feed back: ioane.asiolili@fijisun.com.fj