Waiwai hails Baru’s performance

I just wanted to do my best and make my family and country happy.

These were the words from PNG’s weightlifter, Morea Baru, straight after his lift at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Baru’s performance on Monday in the men’s 62kg division catapulted him into 6th place in the world.

This feat has matched the performance from Dika Toua, who also finished in 6th place at the Athens 2004 Olympics.

Chef de Mission for Team PNG, Emma Waiwai, who was on hand to watch Baru lift, said she was extremely proud of his performance.

“It’s fantastic to see Morea achieve this. Morea has an attitude second to none, he has gone about his business quietly since arriving in the Games Village and always has a smile on his face. We are so happy for him," said Waiwai.

Also in the crowd to watch Baru was Vice Minister for Sports Labi Amaiu, PNG Olympic Committee (PNGOC) and PNG Weightlifting President, Sir John Dawanincura, PNGOC Sectary General and new International Olympic Committee Member, Auvita Rapilla.

“This is a testimony to the hard work and dedication Morea has put in over the last couple of years. It’s a fantastic result for Morea, PNG Weightlifting and the nation and I’m glad the Vice-Minister was able to witness it in person,” said Dawanincura.

“I thank my fellow PNG Weightlifting executives. We are proud of what Morea has accomplished and we want him to continue this form heading into the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast.

“Thanks must go to Paul Coffa and the Oceania Weightlifting Institute as well. I would also like to thank Trukai for their support of the PNG Weightlifting program.”

The 62kg division was won by Oscar Albeiro Figuearoa Mosquera, who scooped Colombia’s first medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic.

Author: 
Troy Taule