The newest weightlifter from the Opeloge family to have won a medal on the world stage is Don Opeloge.
He secured a bronze medal during the men’s 77kg division final at the Youth Commonwealth Games being held in Samoa.
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Despite a shoulder injury, Opeloge managed to lift on his debut a 122kg clean and jerk and 96kg snatch.
Opeloge only had six months of training to prepare for the grand stage.
Yesterday, the medal was an emotional moment for the 16-year-old student of Avele College.
“I thank God for the great things he has done,” he said. “I’m also very grateful for the support of my family and country.”
Opeloge said he wanted the gold medal.
“Things didn't work out the way I wanted to,” he said. “I aimed for gold but this is the best I got for today.” From the village of Vaoala, Opeloge is the nephew of champion weightlifters, Ele, Mary and Niusila Opeloge.
His grandmother, Lesila Opeloge, was in tears as she watched her grandson on the stage receiving the medal.
Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Lesila was happy. “I am proud of him,” Lesila said. “He had an injured shoulder from last week’s training but he wanted to go ahead with it. He did us proud and his achievement is to be celebrated. We continue to thank the Lord for blessing him.” According to Lesila, his grandson is following the footsteps of her children. She said that while eight of her children were weightlifters, two of them have stayed home to care for the family while the rest continued with the sport.
Ahmed Njoya of Cameroon won gold while the silver medal went to Abdur Rehman from Pakistan.
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