Archive from 2017

Patagonia in action

Chile and Argentina have a long common border and many time it is shorter to cross the border than reach another city within the country. The classic example is to compare the distance between Santiago and Punta Arenas in Chile, or between Buenos Aires and Rio Gallegos in Argentina (2.500-3.000 Km), with the distance between Santiago and Buenos Aires (1.500 Km), or from Santiago to Mendoza (less than 400 Km). In this scenario the local organizations in the south of both countries (The Patagonia), have took the lead and have begun to organized bi-national championships one time in one side, another time on the other side. With two focal points: one between Puerto Montt, Calbuco in Chile - Bariloche, Neuquén in Argentina (Center-South); the other between Punta Arenas in Chile - Rio Gallegos, Rio Grande in Argentina (Extreme South), it is becoming to consolidate a place in the annual calendar in both countries. As part of this activities, at the end of the last year was developed at Punta Arenas the second version of the Alexis Nahuelquén Cup with competitors of Punta Arenas (CHI), Rio Gallegos (ARG) and Rio Grande (ARG). Early this year, on February 11th, took place in the city of Calbuco, the Open Patagonia Championships, with representatives from Valdivia (CHI), Puerto Montt (CHI), Calbuco (CHI), Escuela and Gym Umbral from Bariloche (ARG). With only local economic support, the competition was attended by many local and regional authorities who promise his support to weightlifting, developing in an enthusiastic and friendly environment. The Chilean National Federation is very happy with this initiative and supported the organization with part of the technical staff and offered a Course for Technical Officials, to hosts and visitors. Also, this competition is a good approach to the National Sport Games will be developed in May, where the expectative are to see the participation of all the regions in weightlifting. Source:

Oscar Osthoff was born on March 23rd

Mr. Oscar Osthoff had outstanding results in weightlifting but also in other sports like American football, athletics, gymnastics and swimming as well. Born in 1883, March 23rd he was among the first weightlifters to win Olympic Gold Medals in St. Louis at the 1904 Olympic Games. His greatest achievements happened at home during the third Summer Olympic Games where he defeated everyone in one hand Snatch. In two hand Clean and Jerk he had only one real rival, the Greek Mr. Periklis Kakousis who won against him and only allowed him to win a second place. The multi-talented Mr. Osthoff even worked as a football and athlete coach at the Washington State University. He passed away as a professional consulting engineer at the age of 67 in December,

American Samoan Weightlifting Federation Elections

American Samoan Weightlifting Federation held its Electoral Congress. Mr. Ed Imo was re-elected as President, also recently elected as the President of the American Samoan National Olympic Committee. More presidents of weightlifting federations around the world who have now additionally the title of National Olympic Committee President. President: Mr. Ed Imo Vice President:  Mr. Carl Floor, Sr Secretary General:  Mrs. Liliu Mailo Congratulations to all the elected

Weightlifting Ireland President paid a visit to the IWF

The President of the Weightlifting Ireland Federation, Mr. Colin Buckley paid a visit to Budapest and held discussions with the IWF President Dr. Tamas Ajan. The representatives of the different key areas shared information regarding education and development. Work of the European Coaching Research & Scientific Committee and additional subjects were covered i.e. coach trainings (iCoach Kids European Program, 21st Century European Coaching Development Pathway) all under the guidance of the IWF. Last year's European Coaches Research & Scientific Conference was also

Entry List for the 2017 IWF YWC Bangkok is up

The Entry List for the 2017 IWF Youth World Championships Bangkok, THA is published. Check it

Fiji Sports Awards

The Fiji Sports Awards first started in 2011 and was introduced by a partnership that involved the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee, Fiji Sports Council and the Fiji National Sports Commission. The awards are to recognise the contribution of athletes, administrators, journalists and photographers to sports in Fiji. Manueli Tulo was blessed to be a nominee in the 2016 Fiji Sports Awards at the Vodafone Arena. The 26-year old was among the nine nominees for the Sportsman of the Year category alongside Vodafone Fijian 7s captain Osea Kolinisau who is the top contender for the award, Leslie Copeland(Athletics Fiji), Roy Krishna(Fiji Football),Epeli Baleibau(Fiji Paralympic), Joji Veremalua(Karate), Iakoba Taberanibou( Table Tennis) and Antonio Raturoba from Fiji Volleyball. “For me personally I deserve to be nominated after everything I have done for the country last year. And to be nominated again in the Sportsman of the Year category is a blessing for me,”Tulo said. “Last year every time I participate in competition I make sure to be good ambassador for the country and doing the country proud in my event.” Earlier last year Tulo won gold in the men’s 56kg category at the 2016 Australian Open Weightlifting Championships in Chandler, Brisbane. He lifted 108kg in the Snatch and 134kg in the Clean and Jerk for a total of 242kg. He then participated in the Oceania Championships hosted at the Vodafone Arena and won gold after a 104kg lift in the Snatch and 127kg in Clean and Jerk with a Total of 231kg. Tulo then participated in the 2016 Rio Olympics and was placed in 13th position after lifting a Total of 242kg. “This was one of my best placing in any major international competition,” Tulo added. Swimmer Matelita Buadromo, Judoka Tevita Takayawa, weightlifters like Maria Liku, Manueli Tulo and athletics Banuve Tabakaucoro and powerlifter Sainimili Turner are some names that have won awards. 11 category awards are for grabs and these include Coach of the Year, Administrator of the Year, Technical Official of the Year, Sports Photograph of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Sports Team of the Year, Young Sports Man and Woman as well as Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year.   2016 Winners of the Awards: Fiji Tattslotto Fiji Sportswoman of the Year Winner: Mere Rodan (Table Tennis) Fiji Tattslotto Fiji Sportsman of the Year Winner: Osea Kolinisau (Rugby) Fortech 2016 Young Female Athlete of the Year Winner: Sally Yee (Table Tennis) Powerade 2016 Young Male Athlete of the Year Winner: Sitiveni Timi (Weightlifting)  Metframe 2016 Sports Organisation of the Year Winner: Weightlifting Fiji SportsWorld's 2016 Sports Team of the Year Winner: Team Fiji Rugby Men's Sevens team OSEP Hanisi Visanti 2016 Administrator of the Year Winner: Sikeli Tuinamuana (Weightlifting) Paradise Beverages Technical Official of the Year Winner: Naca Cawanibuka (Rugby) Fiji Water Volunteer of the Year Winner: Mereia Belo (Volleyball) ANZ Coach of the Year Winner: Ben Ryan (Rugby) Tappoo Sports Photograph of the Year Winner: Adi Nacola (Weightlifting)   Congratulations to all the winners!! Source: