Hope for Kadavu teenager
AMONG the weightlifters present at the Weightlifting Fiji trials on the weekend was Merewalesi Vusunitokalau, 19, from Jioma Village in Kadavu.
Vusunitokalau was a lone representative from the newly established weightlifting club in Kadavu to attend the trials in Suva.
She said training in Kadavu was difficult because there was a lack of resources and training equipment.
“This is my first year in weightlifting and it is a sport I would like to take up in the long run,” she said.
“Practising weightlifting back in my village is not easy because we have less equipment and are only using one weightlifting bar.”
She is working hard and is vying for a spot in the final national squad.
“I hope to get a spot in the final squad for the Pacific Games because it will be my first big event to compete in.”
WF coach Dela Shaw said Vasunitokalau was identified during a sports outreach program in Kadavu.
“The Fiji National Sports Commission conducted an outreach program in Kadavu which I was a part of and that was where I identified Merewalesi,” Shaw said.
“She is a potential champion weightlifter and there is a future for her in weightlifting.
“I am glad that she has taken up the initiative in joining weightlifting.”
Vusunitokalau was a lone representative from the newly established weightlifting club in Kadavu to attend the trials in Suva.
She said training in Kadavu was difficult because there was a lack of resources and training equipment.
“This is my first year in weightlifting and it is a sport I would like to take up in the long run,” she said.
“Practising weightlifting back in my village is not easy because we have less equipment and are only using one weightlifting bar.”
She is working hard and is vying for a spot in the final national squad.
“I hope to get a spot in the final squad for the Pacific Games because it will be my first big event to compete in.”
WF coach Dela Shaw said Vasunitokalau was identified during a sports outreach program in Kadavu.
“The Fiji National Sports Commission conducted an outreach program in Kadavu which I was a part of and that was where I identified Merewalesi,” Shaw said.
“She is a potential champion weightlifter and there is a future for her in weightlifting.
“I am glad that she has taken up the initiative in joining weightlifting.”