Nauru's proud streak of medalling in every Commonwealth Games they've contested lives on after weightlifter Charisma Amoe-Tarrant won silver on the Gold Coast.
Nauruan weightlifter Charisma Amoe-Tarrant won silver on the Gold Coast. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Vinnie Wylie
The 18 year old lifted 243kg in the women's over 90kg division to finish a surprise second place behind the shock gold medallist, Feagaiga Stowers from Samoa.
The Brisbane-based Amoe-Tarrant started lifting on Nauru when she was 11 but only returned to the sport three years ago.
One of her goals was to compete at the Commonwealth Games but she admits winning a medal wasn't something she'd contemplated.
"I'm just extremely happy and hopefully I made everyone happy. It's not really easy getting a medal around your neck but it's worth all the hard work and the hard training."
Nauru have medalled at every Commonwealth Games since their debut appearance in Auckland 28 years ago.
Charisma Amoe-Tarrant said she was feeling the heat of expectations.
"My coach was telling me that I need to get a medal because if I don't get a medal then it's no medal for Nauru and it was a huge pressure but I wanted this medal as much as anything."
New Zealand lifter Laurel Hubbard had been the clear favourite for gold in the 90+ category but was forced to withdraw with an elbow injury sustained in her final snatch attempt.
Charisma Amoe-Tarrant doesn't agree with people who say a transgender athlete should not be able to compete against women.
"I'm actually quite upset that she didn't get to compete because I actually love watching her perform. Even though not a lot of people are really happy about her competing but to me she's just a new challenge to try to get to or try to beat," Amoe-Tarrant said.
