Weightlifting duo resume preparations in Australia

NATIONAL weightlifting pair Dika Toua and Morea Baru returned yesterday to Melbourne, Australia, to resume preparations under head coach Paul Coffa for next month’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.
Baru contributed three of Team PNG’s 33 gold in the Pacific Mini Games in Saipan, Northern Marianas, despite being diagnosed with malaria a week earlier.
Competing in the 61kg division, he told The National that being bedridden for two days had motivated him to break the previous Pacific Games record of 150kg in clean and jerk, lifting a total of 151kg.
“I had malaria here (PNG) a week before my competition,” Baru said.
“My joints were weak, so I couldn’t hold the weights above my head.
“For two days, I remained in bed.
“I got three injections, thanks to our doctor. I thank God for His healing. It was a challenge that motivated me to break the record.”
Meanwhile, Baru congratulated Toua on her induction into the International Weightlifting Federation Hall of Fame.
“She deserves this recognition,” the Hanuabada villager said.
“She has broken many records.
“She has been lifting for more than 20 years.
“She is an inspiration to women.
“We’ll be leaving on Wednesday (today) for Australia to train there with our coach, Paul Coffa.
“We’re looking forward to raising the bar from the Mini Games, it was a great lead-up.
“I won three gold for the Pacific Mini Games and one from the Oceania (Weightlifting) Championship.
“I’m looking forward to the Commonwealth Games to set new standards.”