SI weightlifting team happy with results in Samoa
BY TONY IROGA
Solomon Islands Weightlifting Federation (SIWF) team has delivered an inspiring performance at the 2026 regional championships in Samoa, securing a total of six medals at the conclusion of their competition campaign.
The four-member Solomon Islands team stood out against a highly competitive international field, demonstrating both experience and emerging talent.
The squad competed at the Samoa International Basket Federation (IBF) Universal Weightlifting Cup, incorporating the Oceania Senior, Junior and Youth Championships and the Commonwealth Junior and Youth Championships.
A statement from SIWF said the competition opened with Guy Saeg competing in the Group B division, marking his first appearance on the international stage.
“Despite the pressure, Saeg delivered a commendable performance, successfully lifting 90kg in the snatch and 105kg in the clean and jerk, narrowly missing his final attempt at 110kg,” the SIWF statement said.
Head Coach Wendy Hale praised his effort, highlighting his composure and potential.
“It is the first time for Guy to be competing internationally, but he did very well. In the snatch he completed all three lifts, and overall, I am very happy with his performance,” Hale said.
The statement said in the senior division, experienced weightlifter Jenly Wini once again demonstrated her class, securing gold in the Senior Oceania category and a bronze medal in the Universal Cup, while finishing fourth overall.
Reflecting on the team’s achievement, Wini expressed pride in the collective effort.
“From me, I am very happy with the achievement of the team and the hard work of the athletes. I have been preparing these athletes, and this is the outcome of their hard training,” Wini said.
She also acknowledged the support from key stakeholders, including the National Sports Council (NSC), National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI), Solomon Islands Weightlifting Federation (SIWF), and Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS).
“I acknowledge mentor Simon Bergner, adding that her success came through discipline and dedication.
“It is not easy to self-coach and train athletes at the same time, but it takes commitment. Winning this Oceania title means a lot to me because I disciplined myself to achieve this result, and I believed I could win and I did,” Wini said.
Competition continued with Shirmara Wini and Freeman Hale taking to the platform on the second day.
Coach Hale noted that while Shirmara showed nervousness during her lifts, her performance remained encouraging, emphasising the importance of continued international exposure for athlete development.
Freeman Hale delivered an outstanding performance, securing 2 gold medals in the Oceania Junior and Youth category and 2 silver medals in the Commonwealth Junior and Youth category.
He also landed in 7th place overall in a field of 10 athletes in his division, gaining valuable international experience and showing strong potential for future competitions.
In a brief message, Freeman expressed his appreciation for the support behind his success.
“I want to thank Coach Wendy and Jenly, NOCSI, NSC, the federation and the team. I am very happy with this win,” Freeman said.
With six medals for Solomon Islands with only four athletes in the team, Solomon Islands returned an impressive medal tally of 3 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze.
Head Coach Wendy Hale expressed pride in the team’s overall performance and progress.
“I am very happy to see our young athletes being exposed and starting to perform in Oceania and even setting records. That is what we all want to see.
“Even though we are a small team, achieving six medals is something we are very proud off,” she said.
SIWF said the championships serve as a key qualification pathway for the Commonwealth Games, with more than 500 athletes from over 70 nations competing, making it one of the region’s largest weightlifting events.
The Solomon Islands team, Freeman Hale, Guy Saeg, Shirmara Wini and Jenly Wini competed under the guidance of Head Coach Wendy Hale, with support from NSC, NOCSI and SIWF.
Coach Hale acknowledged all partners and supporters who contributed to the team’s participation.
“I want to thank NSC, NOCSI, our federation, and all supporters who have backed us. Your support has made this possible,” Hale said.
SIWF said the strong results in Samoa reflect the continued development of weightlifting in Solomon Islands, with a promising mix of experienced athletes and emerging talent stepping onto the regional stage.
The team is expected to return home on Sunday, May 3, bringing with them not only medals, but valuable experience as they continue their journey towards future international competitions.
Photo credit: SIWF
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