Iron Lady Jenly Wini credits supporters after completing Melbourne training camp ahead of her fifth Commonwealth Games appearance
BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands weightlifting star Jenly Wini says she is ready to give her best for the country at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games after completing an intensive four-week high-performance training camp in Australia.
The National Sports Council (NSC) confirmed Wini’s readiness during a farewell and appreciation ceremony held at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) on Monday, where officials and corporate partners gathered to recognise those who supported the veteran lifter’s final preparations.
Wini, who will compete in the women’s 53kg division, thanked the organisations and individuals whose support enabled her to undertake the Melbourne training camp, describing their assistance as a major boost to both her physical and mental preparation.
“Your contribution has made a big impact in my preparation to stay focused, physically and mentally prepared.
“The four weeks went so fast, and now I am just days away from my competition day. I believe that I will do my best to represent my country with pride,” she said.
She also acknowledged the continued support provided by SINIS staff throughout her training programme.
Solomon Islands Weightlifting Federation Secretary General and national coach Apollos Saeg said the overseas training camp would not have been possible without the backing of the NSC and corporate sponsors.
“Without our sponsors, this trip would not have been possible. Their support and belief in weightlifting helped make this training camp happen for Jenly,” Saeg said.
He also thanks the NSC for its ongoing commitment towards Wini’s Commonwealth Games campaign, saying the organisation’s investment in elite athlete preparation continues to strengthen Solomon Islands’ international sporting ambitions.
The Melbourne training camp was jointly funded by the NSC and six corporate partners — Coral Sea Casino, Coral Sea Resort, Delite Industries Ltd, Quan Chee Motors, Solomon Islands Submarine Cable Company Ltd and Solomon Telekom Company Ltd.
Speaking on behalf of Delite Industries Ltd, Veronica Alondres congratulated Wini on her dedication and achievements, saying her commitment continues to inspire young Solomon Islanders to pursue sporting excellence.
Solomon Telekom Company Ltd Marketing Manager Sean Hiele also reaffirmed the company’s support for national athletes.
“Jenly, we wish you well. You are the true Iron Lady, and we wish you all the best for the Commonwealth Games,” Hiele said.
The NSC said Wini’s professionalism, discipline and commitment have made her one of the country’s leading high-performance athletes and an excellent ambassador for Solomon Islands sport.
Wini recently completed her four-week high-performance training camp in Melbourne under internationally respected weightlifting coach Paul Coffa as part of her final preparations for Glasgow 2026.
She qualified for her fifth Commonwealth Games following strong performances on the regional and international stage and will be Solomon Islands’ only weightlifting representative at the Games, scheduled to take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2.
Photo credit: NSC Solomon Islands
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