MITCHELL BARNES
Australian weightlifters have been training hard in preparation for the Commonwealth Games.
Three key members of the Australian team recently held a press conference to talk about their progress.
Tia-Clair Toomey arrived at the village only days after competing in the open round of the CrossFit Games, but felt ready to concentrate on her core discipline.
Declared the ‘Fittest Woman on Earth’ last year after winning the 2017 CrossFit Games, she will compete in the 58kg class at GC2018.
“I’ve been able to recover well from that (the CrossFit Games), and come into the games with a focus on weightlifting,” she said.
In the 105kg-plus category, Damon Kelly was looking forward to testing himself against some of the world’s best.
He said Commonwealth produced some fierce competition in his sport.
“We’ve had a few good sessions, and the team is getting along together pretty well,” he said.
Simplice Ribouem, originally from Cameroon, will be competing in his fourth Commonwealth Games for Australia – and likely his last.
“I think it will be a good ‘last painting’ – if I decide to stop,” said Ribouem, a former gold medallist in the 94kg class.
Toomy will compete on April 6, Ribouem on April 8 and Kelly on April 9.