SHE may be called a new kid on the block, but winning three silver medals for Solomon Islands when competing against her own weightlifting mentor and icon in weightlifting and turning 18 the day after her victory is a great feat.
What started as just a time-out sport to engage her time after she left school because of fee issues has now become part of life for this young energetic woman from Fulifo’a village in West Kwara’ae Constituency in Malaita Province and is driving her to stardom on the sporting arena.
Meet 18-year-old Lorah Maelosia, a Solomon Islands weightlifter who won three silver medals this week in the women’s 55kg of the 17th Pacific Games.
“I started joining weightlifting last year. After quitting school because of no school fees, I just stayed home,” she said.
She said she started weightlifting one evening in June last year at multi-Purpose Hall and she never looked back since then.
Maelosia said she became interested in weightlifting after she was inspired by her friends that the sport can take her to places.
“The more I play, I never looked back. It (weightlifting) keeps me busy and from engaging in anti-social behaviours,” she said with a smile.
Asked if the three silver medals were the first medals she ever won, Maelosia said she won medals in other champions but the first medals in the Pacific Games
Maelosia won a gold medal in the Under 23 Weightlifting Championships in Australia this year, a silver medal in India and three gold medals in Samoa also this year.
Jenly Tegu Wini and Lorah Maelosia during the medal presentation on Monday. Photo supplied.
She admitted that winning the three silver medals on Monday and competing with her role model and coach Jenly Tegu Wini was an exciting experience.
“I knew I was not an experienced lifter but to win silver medals with someone who is as experienced as Jenly is an awesome feeling. I’m very excited because I look up to Jenly,” she added.
“I am forever grateful to Jenley because she is my mentor and coach, without her guidance I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Maelosia is passionate about weightlifting and she encourages other young people to get involved in sports.
She believes that lifting weights is a great way to stay busy and avoid engaging in anti-social behaviours.
Maelosia’s advice to anyone who wants to take up weightlifting is to practice regularly as it is not that complicated.
She is thankful for the support of her family, friends and all those who helped her achieve her dreams.
Maelosia has her eyes fixed on further excelling in the sport of weightlifting and travelling to different parts of the world.
(TEAM SOLOMON/SOLSTAR)
