Fiji Weightlifter Eileen Cikamatana scooped gold in the womens 63kg weight category at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Apia, Samoa yesterday.

The 15-year-old Taviya, Ovalau lass is part of the Oceania Talent Identification Program in New Caledonia.

Team leader Lyndall Fisher said the athletes are doing very well in their respective sports.

“I am very proud of everybody achievements specially the Weightlifters have done us proud for getting two gold now and a silver.  I know some of the athletes this is their first Commonwealth game and they really enjoying it,” Lyndall said.

Eileen also participated at the recent Pacific Games and was Team Fiji’s Flag Bearer to the CYG opening ceremony.

Kaeley Elkington of New Zealand took out silver while Eyenga Mbo’ossi Gaelle Jeanne of Cameroon won bronze.

In another results Maria Mona won silver medal in the woman 69kg category. Esala Baledrokadroka came 4th in the men’s 69kg category and snatched 90kg plus clean and jerk of 114 was a commendable effort for a total of 204kg.

Fiji has now secured two gold and a silver medal, with all coming from weightlifting.

Swimming qualify

Epeli Rabua competing in the Finals of the Men’s 50m Breastroke swam a credible race in a time of 30.53 with fellow team mate Eugene Kado in the B Finals of the 100m Breastroke swimming a Personal Best time of 33.34s

Epeli who clocked 30.52s in the 50m Mens Breastroke set a new national age 15/16 group record beating the old time of 30.91s and qualified for the A while Eugene swam a personal best of 33.78s in the same event and qualified for the B final.

Meanwhile Taichi Vakasama who took part in the 400m freestyle did a personal best of 4.32.71c beating his old best by 1 second.

Adi Kinismere Naivalu clocked a time of 1.10.90s in the womens backstroke with fellow swimmer Ella Rasau coming close to her personal best with a time of 2.39.75s, which in itself was a feat considering that she was sick for the past few days.

Elder failed to qualify for the quaterfinal

Archer Marilyn Elder has lost her chance to her Samoan competitor to qualify for the quarterfinal.

According to her coach and father Robert Elder said three arrows per set were shot with the winner of each set earning 2 points.

“The first to six points would be the winner of the match,” said Robert.

“The players were both tied at 5 points each and went into a one arrow shoot off with the Samoan girl winning by a very close margin.”

He said it was a good experience for Marilyn and he was very happy and proud of the effort she put in during the competition.

“Participating at the CYG will really encourage her to continue in her sport and has been an eye opener where she will gain valuable inspiration from watching other sports.” Elder said.

Fiji women’s 7s team won first game

The Fijian U18 girl’s team has won their first game against Samoa 46 – 5 and they will play Cook Islands today.

Athletics

Temarisi Lewasau finished in top 8 of the women’s Shot Put event with a throw of 13.15m.

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