Don Opeloge competing at the New Zealand National Championships in Mt Maunganui Photo: Kurt Hay
Samoan weightlifting star Don Opeloge will be Samoa's flagbearer at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
Savali Newspaper reported Opeloge, 25, was selected by the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee to carry the Samoan flag next week.
The government newspaper reported the lifter is looking forward to the event and competing at the Games.
"Right now, I am not worried about anything, I am well prepared," he was quoted saying.
"Training and everything else is good."
Hailing from the villages of Vaoala and Tanugamanono, Opeloge thanked his family and friends, and everyone for their support for his team.
"I will do my best for Samoa."
Opeloge has been breaking records in meets he had competed in over the last five years, including a record-smashing spree as he claimed a new Oceania and Pacific Games record in the men's 102kg at the Pacific Games in Honiara last year.
Opeloge won gold in the men's 102kg, lifting 165kg for snatch and 214kg for clean and jerk with a total lift of 379kg, setting new records.
He qualified in the top 10 at the World Champs this year, making him eligible to participate in Paris.
Opeloge and female lifter Iuniarra Sipaia Simanu are Samoa's lifters in France.
The duo were to have competed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, but Covid-19 was in the way.
Simanu said she is thankful to God for the opportunity.
She said the competition will be strong for both of them but she is aiming to finish in the top 10.
The lifter also acknowledged all the support given to them.
"I would like to thank the government and sponsors, and also our Samoa Weightlifting Federation Inc., and the prayers of our family and friends."
The Samoan government officially hosted a ceremony to farewell Team Samoa to France on Tuesday.
