Mahatma Ghandi Memorial School student Elizabeth Chute has set her eyes on representing Fiji at the Oceania Championships in Auckland, New Zealand, next February.

This was despite dropping out of medal contention in women’s clean and jerk 55-kilogramme weightlifting event at the Maranatha Hall, Burns Creek in East Honiara, Solomon Islands yesterday.

Competing in her first Pacific Games, Chute set a personal best in the 80kg clean and jerk, and 63kg in the snatch, which was previously at 75kg and 60kg respectively.

“It was a tough competition and it really challenged me,” Chute

“I managed to set some personal best and I’m happy with what I’ve achieved.”

She said an important lesson learnt was not to pressure herself but instead have faith in her ability to do things.

“I’m looking forward to the Oceania Championships next year,” Chute added.

Solomon Islands’ Jenly Tegu Wini won the first gold medals at the Games.

She grabbed three gold medals in the weightlifting competition. Wini claimed the three gold in the women’s 55 kg category.

Wini lifted 82kg in the snatch and 108kg in the clean and jerk.

Her total winning lift was 190kg.

“I am happy and it’s a big crowd, home crowd,” she said.

“I just went for what I have trained hard for. I am happy the

Prime Minister (Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare) gave me the medals.”

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj