It might have taken a while to come but Samoa’s first gold medal at the 5th Commonwealth Youth Games was celebrated throughout the country yesterday.
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Just as thousands of Samoans were about to resign themselves to a gold medal-less Games, weight l i f ter, Maeu Nanai Livigisitone, stepped up and saved the day.
There was no stopping the impressive young man who became the only competitor in the Games to nail six perfect lifts for a total of 253kgs. And with that, he lifted his country to wild celebrations, giving Samoans something to smile about as the last day of competition begins today.
In winning gold, Livi overcame Sri Lanka’s Bevishan Wijewickirama and Albert Anderson, of New Zealand, who had to settle for silver and bronze respectfully.
The proud moment for the local fans and athletes could not have been missed. As “Samoa tula’i” rang out loud and proud, supporters in their patriotic blue rose to their feet to honour a hero.
It was a day Livigisitione will not forget. Adding icing on the cake yesterday was his international debut.
The gold medalist tried his best to hold back tears as local supporters swamped him for photos and congratulatory hugs.
“Who knew that one day I’ll be winning gold medal for my country?” said Livigisitone.
“I thank our Heavenly Father for the strength and the talent he has given me. I am extremely happy today.”
The 16-year-old is a relative of champion weightlifters, Ele, Mary and Niu Sila Opeloge.
Livigisitone attended Vaivase Primary School three years ago when he decided that weightlifting was his future.
His parents were not impressed with his decision.
“I stopped going to school in 2012 because I wanted to focus on weightlifting,” he said.
“My parents didn’t like it and stopped me from going to weightlifting. At that time I was still a bit confused because I wasn’t good at school and my parents wouldn’t let me do what I liked.”
It wasn’t until late last year when Ligivisitone was able to convince his parents to let him lift again.
And with a gold medal now, he aims to continue lifting and hopes one day will compete at the Olympics. His parents are Valasi and Livigisitone Ligivisitone from Matautu, Falelatai. He is the youngest of six children.
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