Coffa defends Opeloge of Samoa

Written by Charlina Tone
Saturday, 08 March 2008
Oceania Weightlifting Academy coach/trainer Mr. Paul Coffa Samoa’s former weightlifting coach/trainer Mr. Paul Coffa has defended banned gold medalist Niusila Opeloge. Writing from New Caledonia, Coffa spoke exclusively to Newsline on the controversy which has made national headlines. Coffa openly expressed his dismay stating: “I am disappointed and surprised that this matter has come out publicly when the procedures have not been completed yet by the International Weightlifting Federation.” His comments were sought after media reports that Samoan triple gold medalist in the South Pacific Games, tested positive for illegal substances following the International Weightlifting Federation Cup in Samoa last year. According to the former trainer the decision should have been kept out of the media before a final decision was reached by the IWF. He noted that the disciplinary measures should only take effect after the IWF have completed their procedures. Newsline asked Coffa if there were ever any suspicions of Opeloge taking drugs when he coached him, Coffa simply said: ”No”. Coffa maintains that Opeloge was a fine athlete that he was never suspected of taking any illegal drugs: “ I can categorically state that during that period of time Niusila never showed any interest in drugs whatsoever. “I coached Niusila from October 2005 on my arrival to Samoa until the end of September 2007 when he returned from the World Championship in Thailand.” The former coach also believes that Niusila never took any drugs before he began coaching him in Samoa. “This also goes for the period of time he trained in Fiji in 2002 in preparation for the Manchester Commonwealth Games. “The Oceania Weightlifting Institute has a zero tolerance policy on drugs,” Coffa said. Comments (0) Subscribe to this comment's feed Write comment Name Email Title Comment
Last Updated ( Saturday, 08 March 2008 )

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