A 32-year-old national weightlifter made an impressive finish at the Cook Islands Games weightlifting competition dominating the Men’s 96-kilogram division with a total lift of 275 kilograms, the highest total lift among all categories on Wednesday.

Representing the island of Mauke, Jerome Tura told Cook Islands News that while weightlifting may not have been his childhood dream, he has dedicated himself to the sport to represent his island, country and to develop himself personally.

He’s been lifting for four years now since the 2020 Cook Island Games when he took up the sport.

“I wouldn’t say it has always been a dream but ever since I started it has become a dream of mine to see how far I make it in the sport and also to represent my island and country in the sport as well,” Tura said.

“And it worked out pretty well,” he said.

Tura said he represented the Cook Islands a few times in weightlifting, including the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands, which unfortunately did not end well.

“I injured my shoulder but have been on a long recovery road since then and this will be my first big official competition since then,” he said.

“Just want to wish everyone else that’s competing in the games all the best and stay safe and don’t get injured.”

Tura’s advice to the young aspiring lifters is to give it a try.

“Give the sport of weightlifting a go, we’re all strong Polynesian descendants so you never know where the big weight lift is going to come from so just give it a go and you might enjoy it.”

The two-day weightlifting competition kick-started on Tuesday and concluded on Wednesday with the men’s categories.

The results from Tuesday’s sessions and Wednesday morning’s session revealed that Rarotonga and Atiu each won two gold medals in two categories, while Mitiaro and Pukapuka claimed the remaining two gold medals.

Results

The results for the final session – the Men’s 96-kilogram category – are: (3^rd place) 172kg – Mitiaro, (2^nd place) 195kg – Mangaia, 275kg – Mauke; Men’s 109+ category: (3^rd place) 128 kg – Aitutaki, (2^nd place) 129kg – Mauke, (1^st) 146kg – Mitiaro; and the Masters 109+: (3^rd place) 125kg– Rakahanga, (2^nd place) 189kg – Mitiaro, (1^st place) 191kg – Atiu. Open M81: John Pareanga -  Rarotonga - 175kg Total, Myson Samuel - Aitutaki - 133kg Total, Tata Samuel - Aitutaki - 107kg Total. Youth M89 (Medal Ceremony for our Youth M89 Category) Aurametua Vavia - Mitiaro - 135kg Total, Reif Arnold - Manihiki - 119kg Total. Youth M73 (Medal Ceremony for our Youth M73 Category) – Etoa Puni - Atiu - 180kg Total, Liam Aviu-Kurariki - Atiu - 57kg Total. Open F71 (Medal Ceremony for our Open F71 Category) – Briseis Crighton - Pukapuka - 129kg Total, Jamie Crawford - Mitiaro - 110kg Total, Kathy Parry - Aitutaki - 107kg Total. Open F55 (Medal Ceremony for our Open F55 Category) – Tehei Napa - Rarotonga - 145kg Total, Zoe Twigg - Mauke - 75kg Total. Youth F61 (Medal Ceremony for our Youth F61 Category) – Evah Sosene - Atiu - 120kg Total, Katiana Meti - Aitutaki - 48kg Total.