BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
SOLOMON Islands teenage weightlifter, Philip Masi, 17 will represent the country at this year’s 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.
Masi aims to snatch the 55kg clean and jerk at this year’s Commonwealth Games scheduled to be held in Birmingham, England from 28 July to 8 August 2022.
The young lad is eyed as one of Solomon Islands-rising weightlifters, having achieved his personal best record by snatching 55kg in the clean & jerk trial event held this month, July at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) Complex, east of Honiara.
Masi also proved his worthiness to be selected to compete at this year’s Games after recently snatching 87kg and 105kg in the clean & jerk trial event in Honiara.
For the young lad, setting a new record for Solomon Islands on the international stage seems to be the main driver behind the focus of his mind.
“I did my training every day because I want to achieve what I am aiming for to set a new record. My only hope is to set a new record.
“I like to thank my Coach Wendy Hale she’s my coach since joining the sport until this year 2022, also I thank my technical coach, Apollo Saeg who will accompany me for the Commonwealth Games, and his continuous motivations to beat what the record liked.
“I am happy to represent Solomon Islands. This would also be my first time participating in such a big competition. Also, wish to thank fans for your support during the games, would also like to thank SINIS member from the boss to all the staff, security cleaner, for their wonderful hospitality,’’ Philip Masi told RAW SPORT.
Masi’s Coaches, Wendy Hale and Apollo Saeg Philips spoke highly of young Masi’s recent achievements during this week’s trial event at the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport complex.
“I appreciate Masi’s trial results. He snatched 87kg and 105Kg in clean and jerk.
“I am proud for the SINIS for giving rise to the sport to train this young boy under their mentorship,” the Solomon Islands Weightlifting Technical Coach Saeg told RAW SPORTS.
Solomon Islands Weightlifting Coach, Wendy Hale who spends her time at SINIS with Masi, preparing him for the Commonwealth Games said young Masi will meet up with Jenly Wini who is currently in Australia to represent the Solomon Islands.
Coach Hale also wishes Philip all the best at this year’s Commonwealth Games.
She told RAW SPORTS that she doesn’t expect Masi to win a medal but is expecting him to do more on his personal best.
“At NMPMG this year, Masi achieved his personal best in the snatch and clean and jerk event, which is a big achievement for him, the country, and for me as her Coach.
“He will compete in the 55kg category in the snatch and clean & jerk against some of the best competitors on the International Stage at this year’s Commonwealth Games,’’ Hale said.
Young Masi will be accompanied by his Technical Coach Mr. Apollo Saeg for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.
They will leave the country on Friday 22 July, tomorrow.
