Cikamatana Eyes World’s No.2 Spot
“We are not here for the three gold medals, but for her to put a higher total. She will lift 265kg (kilogrammes) that will place her in the world’s top two. Our aim is to get gold in Paris.”
Thursday 23 November 2023 | 13:03
Fiji-born Australian weightlifter Eileen Cikamatana trains at the Maranatha Hall in Burns Creek, East Honiara, Solomon Islands on November 22, 2023. Photo: Waisea Nasokia
Fiji born woman weightlifter Eileen Cikanamata is not competing in the Sol2023 Pacific Games to win three gold medals for Australia but to give her the edge for next year’s Paris Olympics.
Her coach and International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) technical delegate Paul Coffa said Cikanamata has been training well at the Maranatha Hall in Burns Creek, East Honiara.
“She is in good shape, not heavy with the weather as she is so used to the Melbourne weather now,” Coffa said.
“It’s a bit too hot but I don’t want her legs to suffer as she has power in her legs.
“She is training and is expected to win three gold medals for Australia.
“We are not here for the three gold medals, but for her to put a higher total. She will lift 265kg (kilogrammes) that will place her in the world’s top two. Our aim is to get gold in Paris.”
Cikamatana, he says, is dubbed as the hidden gem of Australia.
“She is the only lifter from the region to have qualified for the Paris Olympics,” Coffa added.
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