<b>By Gemma Martin of The Reporters’ Academy</b>
30/07/2012
Stevick Patris was applauded as he stepped forward out of the line up, whilst his name and country were called, alongside his fellow 62kg group B weightlifters from around the world including Tuvalu and India. After walking from the backstage area to the tension creating music, while applause trembled through the audience and the stamping of feet made the floor shake. Stevick then took his place on the 4m by 4m platform, looking down at the weight. The audience then went silent while Stevick took up his position ready to lift the 101Kg weight before him; bending down and placing his hands on the weight he took a deep breath ready to start.
The Palauan team were sat on the front row cheering Stevick on, giving him extra confidence and determination; this also showed how much they support each other as a team. Stevick successful lifted the 101Kg and the 104Kg weight in the Snatch; however had a no lift with the 108Kg. Similarly he had two successful lifts in the Clean & Jerk with weights of 125Kg and 130Kg. Creating a grand total of 234Kg, his “best total ever.” Finishing 7th in his set, Stevick is proud and says it “feels so great to represent my country, in the Olympics” he plans to continue weightlifting in the future. He also hopes to “train really hard” so that he can reach future goals.
Stevick comes from a family of weightlifters with his late father being his coach, he explained that when lifting in his head he hears his dad’s voice saying “don’t give up, you can do it.” After taking his dads advice he will never give up on his weightlifting and will “keep training in the Oceania Weightlifting Institute in New Caledonia.”
Last Modified on 01/08/2012 05:28
