Weightlifter Manine Lynch won Team Cook Islands’ first medals at the Pacific Mini Games in Saipan, Northern Marianas, last night.

Lynch, who recently returned to the stage after a four-year break, grabbed three bronze medals in the Women’s 87 kilograms and over category.

She lifted 90kg in snatch and 120kg in clean & jerk for a total lift of 210kg. With these lifts, Lynch also finished second in the Oceania Championship, claiming silver medal.

In an interview with Cook Islands News last night, Lynch said she was delighted with her performance and bronze medals.

“The joy of the Lord is my strength! Feeling very overjoyed with the results and very happy to be bringing home medals! I’m stoked to have finally hit those numbers as I’ve been chasing them for a while now,” the 23-year-old said.

“God is so good and He’s given me the best team! My coach Luisa, team mates Jerome, Martin, Bresis, Wanaka, Mama and Doctor Puni! There is so much to say but for now I’m just enjoying the win and being back on the platform!

“To all the ladies in my category I can’t wait to see you guys at the next competition! It’s an exciting future for our Cook Islands lifters. Thank you, Cook Islands, for tuning in to watch and support, we definitely felt the love.”

Lynch will be representing the country at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. She qualified for the Commonwealth Games after winning the New Zealand International competition in February.

Meanwhile Jerome Tura competed in the 81kg category this week and came away with some amazing results.

In his first major event, Tura managed a 106kg snatch and a 141kg clean & jerk for a total lift of 247kg. This total placed him fourth in the Pacific.

“Jerome has worked very hard over the months leading up to this competition and all his competitors were very impressed with how he performed. We know this is just the beginning for this young gun and we look forward to more amazing results as we continue on!” said Cook Islands Weightlifting Federation.