A group of six weightlifting athletes is currently immersed in an intense six-week training camp at the Oceania Weightlifting Institute & Academy in Apia, Samoa. Head coach Henry Elder emphasizes the rigorous nature of the program, which is designed for those who are committed to pushing their limits.
The training schedule consists of single sessions on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with the possibility of double sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. This week, the athletes are undergoing three sessions on Monday and Tuesday, starting at 5 am, 11 am, and 5 pm. Elder highlights that the primary focus is on the meticulous execution of training programs, exercises, and repetitions while instilling respect for oneself, the team, and the institution.
Currently, Fiji is the only country represented in the camp, but athletes from Palau, Papua New Guinea, and the Marshall Islands are expected to join in the coming weeks. The camp features elite lifters from Samoa, including Commonwealth champions like Sangele Mao and John Tafi, as well as rising talents like Seine Stowers and Jack Opeloge.
In addition to the rigorous training, the camp is set to host the Oceania Talent Identification Program (OTIP) this week at the Tuanaimato Sports Complex. Aimed at youth athletes aged 13-17, this program will cover essential technical aspects of weightlifting, including classic lifts, proper exercise execution, and topics such as safety in the training hall, drugs in sport, and ethical guidelines. The OTIP will be coordinated by Della Shaw Elder, vice president of Oceania Weightlifting, with participation from two young lifters from Fiji, Iowane Claude and Alina Fanifau, accompanied by their coach Timothy Vakuruivalu.
As the camp progresses, the athletes are adapting well to the training environment, and there is a palpable sense of camaraderie and determination among them. This initiative not only prepares the athletes for competition but also aims to foster the next generation of weightlifters in the region. The training camp is slated to conclude next month, promising a fruitful experience for all participants.