Logona Esau - Team Tuvalu flag bearer tonight
By Silafaga Lalua
Two years in the Oceania Weightlifting Institute in Samoa has given Logona Esau the chance to compete against some of the world’s best weightlifters and earn his way to be Team Tuvalu’s flag bearer at the Games opening ceremony tonight.
The 21 year old athlete from Nukufetau island was admitted to the institute in October 2005 and now, almost two years later he says his weightlifting skills ? the techniques and strategies - have increased immensely hence his achievements including 2 gold medals, two bronze and 1 silver medal.
Mr Esau lifts in the 69 kilogram category and at the start of his studies his best lifts were 115 kg for clean & jerk and 92 kg for snatch, and is now proud to announce a whopping 150 clean & jerk and 110 kg for snatch.
This gives him a lot of confidence that he will achieve a medal for Tuvalu at these games.
Speaking to Tuvalu news’ Silafaga Lalua in Apia, Mr Logona says he is honoured to have been chosen by Team Tuvalu’s administration committee to be the flag bearer at the grand opening of the games tonight.
The youngster aims to take the name of Tuvalu and Tuvalu sports to the highest level in the region and internationally in weightlifting and other sports as well.
After his competition next week he will start training straight away for the Olympic qualifying competition which will be the World Weightlifting Championship in Thailand next month.
His scholarship, funded by the Oceania National Olympic Committee ONOC, will come to an end this October but he hopes it can be extended for his trainings to continue and gears him up for the big Olympic Games next year.
Logona Esau’s lifting competition will take place on Tuesday next week and he sends his love to all his family and friends.
He thanks all for their prayers these past two years and also asks all to remember him as he proudly lifts in Apia for the nation.
Ends
