Solomon Islands weightlifting champ Wini begins intensive Australia camp for Glasgow showdown
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands weightlifting champion Jenly Wini has brushed aside concerns over age as she begins an intensive training camp in Australia ahead of her fifth Commonwealth Games appearance.
The veteran lifter departed Honiara this week for a four-week preparation camp in Melbourne, Australia, where she will train under longtime coach Paul Coffa in the lead-up to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Wini, widely regarded as one of Solomon Islands’ most successful female athletes, recently secured qualification for the Games after finishing among the top eight athletes in the women’s 53kg category following her championship performance in Canada.
At almost 43 years old, the experienced weightlifter says age will not stand in the way of her ambitions to compete at the highest level.
“I will be turning 43 in two days, but I do not believe age has anything to do with my training.
“I still have the strength, and my results have shown that I can compete at this level. It has not been an easy journey, but I always put the negative things behind me and continue to believe in hard work and perseverance,” Wini said.
The training camp in Dromana, Melbourne, marks another important chapter in Wini’s long-standing partnership with renowned coach Paul Coffa, who has guided her career for more than a decade.
“I am now travelling to Melbourne to train under Paul Coffa, whom I trust and believe in as my coach.
“Paul has coached me for the past 11 years and has played a major role in my development as an athlete. His experience and guidance will be invaluable as I prepare for this championship,” she said.
Solomon Islands Weightlifting Federation Secretary General Apollos Saeg confirmed that Wini is the only local weightlifter to secure qualification for the Commonwealth Games competition.
“The Oceania Weightlifting Federation has officially allocated a Commonwealth Games qualification place by name to Jenly Wini,” Saeg said.
He said Wini’s name has already been submitted to the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands for final selection consideration.
Saeg also acknowledged the support provided towards the athlete’s preparations.
“I would like to acknowledge the National Sports Council for their support in making every arrangement for Jenly’s travel to Melbourne for her training camp with Paul.
“I also appreciate the SIWF executives for working together with NSC to make the trip successful,” he said.
Wini also thanked the National Sports Council and her family for their continued support throughout her sporting career.
“Their assistance has helped me continue pursuing my goals and representing Solomon Islands on the international stage,” she said.
The Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, with Wini expected to carry Solomon Islands’ hopes in weightlifting once again.
Photo credit: NSC
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