BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
JENLYN Tegu Wini says winning her triple gold medals at the XVII Pacific Games is no coincidence, as she looks to represent Solomon Islands for the last time at this year’s Games.
“I have been preparing for the 2023 Pacific Games, so achieving this result is no coincidence. It ultimately depends on one’s level of dedication,” she told RAW SPORTS.
“Getting up to 16 years in weightlifting, and now at the age of 40, I always told myself that age doesn’t matter and I can continue on, but this will be my last Pacific Games,” she revealed to the Pacific Games News Service. “But I will continue weightlifting for maybe another three years.”
On Monday, Iron Lady Wini made history by winning a triple gold medal for the Solomon Islands weightlifting team after lifting a total of 190kg (82kg in snatch and 108kg in the clean and jerk women’s category) at the first day of competition held at Maranatha Hall, east of Honiara.
Her previous gold medal win was at the 2017 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship in Australia.
Wini was thrilled to be awarded the first gold of the XVII Pacific Games when the country’s Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, was given the honor of presenting the first gold medal ceremony of the Pacific Games 2023.
“I am exactly thrilled with joy, honor, and pride to receive my gold medals from Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.”
Her impressive win on home soil, in front of her family, friends, and supporters, ensured her greatest achievement in the country’s women’s weightlifting discipline.
“This was an unforgettable experience for me, as I usually compete internationally, but this time I achieved victory at home in front of my family, friends, and supporters.
“As this would be my last opportunity to take part in the future Pacific Games,” she said. “I am extremely grateful for the help and encouragement from my family, friends, my coach Paul, and more especially for the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sports (SINIS) and the government of Solomon Islands for my win.”
Wini also expressed her anticipation for new athletes to reach this standard and bring home more weightlifting medals in the future.
“I want to advise all athletes from the Solomon Islands who haven’t yet competed to remain focused on their goals and stay dedicated. I strongly believe that if you have a clear goal in mind and work towards it, you will be able to reach it,” she said.
