Nauru have been the standout performers at powerlifting. Photos: Lawrence Ale, Pacific Games News Service
Nauru continued to dominate the Sol2023 powerliftig podium at Maranatha Hall on Thursday as the sport reached its final rounds for men in the 93kg, 105kg, 120kg, and 120 kg+ events.
Nauru’s Jesse Roland took home gold in the men’s raw 93kg final session 5 with a total lift of 735kg. Axel Michel Raymond of New Caledonia received silver with a total lift of 710 kg, and Manutea Ozoux of Tahiti settled for bronze with 695kg.
Nauru’s additional gold was raked in by Roy Detabene in the 105kg event with a sweeping lift of 790kg. Fiji’s Salacieli Tamanitadruku hit silver with a total of 702.5 kg, while Tahitian athlete Matahi Tinorupua Papai took bronze with a 675kg mark.
Barassi Bottelanga of Nauru again snatched gold in session 6 of the 120kg event with a total lift of 780kg. Fiji’s Kurt Wise took silver with a total of 682kg and Solomon Islands’ Michael Maomaiasi claimed bronze with a total lift of 657kg.
The heavy weights (120 kg+) were defeated by Oliva Kirisome of Samoa with an impressive lift of 885kg. American Samoa’s Justin Joseph Pedro and John Faleomalama claimed silver and bronze respectively.
Kirisome said winning gold in the 120 kg+ category was unexpected, but his sheer determination took him to the medal podium.
“I didn’t expect to receive a gold medal in this event, but I am so thrilled for this achievement and for my team.
“Thank you to everyone who came out and showed support this evening,” Kirisome told the Pacific Games News Service.
The Samoan won gold in his Pacific Games debut in 2011, silver in 2015, gold in his home country in 2019, and now continues to hold the title of being the most powerful man in the code and region.
Thursday’s final powerlifting events also marked the conclusion of Sol2023 action at Maranatha Hall, which has seen stars rise and records tumble over the two weeks of the Games.
By Binet Naqu and Philip Robo, Pacific Games News Service
