21 May 2012

Sport: Samoan weightlifters go into camp

10:43 am on 21 May 2012

Samoa's top weightlifters go into camp today ahead of next month's Oceania Championships in Apia.

Coach Jerry Wallwork says the lifters are as well prepared as he has seen, with just over two months until the start of London Olympics.

He says they've done the hard work in training and he expects Samoa to dominate in the junior categories in Apia.

One of the juniors being touted for big things is Siaosi Leuio, while Mary Opeloge has broken an Oceania or South Pacific record each time she has competed in 2012 - in both the juniors and seniors categories.

In the men's seniors Niusila Opeloge is ranked number one in the Pacific, Oceania and Commonwealth in the 105kg division, with fellow Commonwealth gold medallist Fa'avae Fa'auliuli ranked fourth in the 94kg division.

Ele Opeloge, who also struck gold in Delhi two years ago, has been affected by illness during preparation, but says she views it as a test of her patience and commitment.