A story of family, pride and triumph!

When it comes to weightlifting, the Samoan team of lifters are making their presence felt at the 13th South Pacific Games, in particular it's the Opeloge family making all the news. First it was 15-year old Mary breaking records, now it's her brother 25-year old Niusila basking in the spotlight following a record-breaking effort in the men's 105kg class. Niusila claimed the gold medal in the Snatch, Clean & Jerk and the Overall Total, setting a new Games record with a total lift of 341kg. Understandably, his parents were proud of his efforts as they watched on from their VIP seats. Lifting in front of a vocal home crowd, Niusila sent his supporters wild with a brazen show, continually stopping the click to raise the weight, keeping his fans in suspense as they waited for the victorious lift. With Mary and Niusila comparing gold medals, all attention now turns to a third sibling, Ele, who like her brother and younger sister was warmly welcomed with non-stop cheering as she arrived to compete shortly after Niusila. Samoa also enjoyed success in the men's 94kg class where Faavae Faauliuli won two gold medals, including the Overall Total, while team mate Elei Ilalio won silver behind Niusila in the 105kg class. Weightlifting has been a wonderful event for host country Samoa at these games, and it looks set to continue as the crowds grow by the day as they hear of Samoa's success.

Watch the 6 second video clipping of Ele Opeloge breaking the Commonwealth record ealrier this week

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how r u
written by live, July 30, 2008

malo oa mai oe faapea le tatou aoga o leifiifi o au o princesslive

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