Solomon Island weightlifters have been commended for their performances at international events.
At the recent Commonwealth Youth Games, Arina Kalibiu grabbed bronze in the 69kg weight category in Apia, Samoa, to the delight of the Solomon Islands National Olympic Committee.
The code of weightlifting is becoming increasingly popular in Solomon Islands, as proven by the nation’s representation in weightlifting competition at the 2015 pacific Games.
Arina Kalibiu is the second athlete from the Solomon Islands to win a medal at the Commonwealth Youth Games level, with the code of boxing having claimed the first medal in 2011.
Solomon Islands competed in weightlifting, boxing, swimming, tennis and athletics at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa.
The National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands, in a statement, highlighted Kalibiu’s achievement and thanked the young weightlifter for her efforts at the CYG.
Weightlifting is paving the way for many young Pacific islanders to excel in their sporting careers, as evident by PNG’s own female weightlifters in the likes of Dika Toua, and other youngsters training at the Oceania Weightlifting Institute in Noumea, New Caledonia.
