It still feels like a dream: Umang

 By FRANCIS RODNEY PULU

BELINDA Umang is still reeling from her gold medal win in powerlifting, saying it is still like a dream.

The 21-year-old woman from Sadau village, in Morobe, who won the 57kg women’s division said “things are happening so fast” for her.

Her talent was spotted during the PNG Games in Lae last year and knew she must justify her selection.

“I am a person who has confidence in myself and I know nothing is impossible or hard,” she said. “As a newcomer into the sport, nothing stopped me from exploring and learning new things.

“I am glad that the approach I took has paid off. 

“If we believe in ourselves and know that we can do it, then nothing will stop us from doing it.”

After winning sliver in Lae last year, she decided to step up her training to go one better.

“When I was selected I committed my time and effort to prove myself. 

“When we came for our two trials in Port Moresby, I competed strongly to make my way into the final squad. 

“I am so proud to get this medal and it feels like I am still dreaming – but it is true.”

She admits that one thing that helped her a lot was training under coach Scott Upston.

“Upston is a great coach and he makes and builds our confidence. He pushes us to train to reach a certain target. 

“One thing he really helped us with was the techniques required to lift heavier weights.”

Her total lift was 290.5 kg.