‘Our whole country is behind them’: Samoa’s weightlifters chasing Olympic glory

The Pacific nation has won a single Olympic medal, but hopes two of its top athletes can boost the tally at the Paris Games

It was in a village just outside Samoa’s capital, Apia, that Don Opeloge was this year bestowed a chiefly title. Awarded the appellation La’auli to mark his achievements as an athlete and as a token of appreciation and recognition of service it was an important cultural honour in the Pacific country.

When he competes on the Olympic stage later this month Opeloge will see if he can add another honour to his name. The 25-year-old weightlifter and his training partner, Iuniarra Sipaia, will soon make the 27-hour journey from their island home to compete in Paris. Both represent Samoa’s strongest medal chances.

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from The Guardian https://ift.tt/56Wwo83

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