It wasn't a medal win for Kiwi weightlifter Phllippa Patterson this morning, but she ended her international career with a personal win, having clocked a post-baby PB.
Coming off the platform after a successful 95kg attempt in the clean and jerk, her normally restrained coach didn’t hold back.
Richie Patterson, defending Commonwealth Gold medallist in his own weight division for lifting, is also Patterson's husband.
He says he is "usually pretty reserved when it comes to PDA (Public Displays of Affection)", but showing a bit of emotion today was worth it.
"I love being back stage, and I'm so proud to stand there and watch Pip go out and do that, it's really, really special."
"That's probably my last opportunity to give her a big hug off the international off a major international."
Patterson finished sixth with a combined lift of 171kg, that’s 76kg in the snatch and grab and 95kg in the clean and jerk.
In the stands today were the Patterson's friends and family, and two-year-old son Cooper, decked out in support gear including, his favourite, a silver fern temporary tattoo on the side of one cheek.
Patterson confirmed she' s not likely to get up on the weightlifting platform again, her next big goal will be a sibling for Cooper.
As for Richie, he goes from coach to defending champion in the 85kg class tomorrow, which will be his fourth Commonwealth Games, a weightlifting record for New Zealand.
Cooper will be there again tomorrow, and is already following in mum and dad's footsteps, training twice a week at the CrossFit Gym Richie and Pip run back in Auckland.
SHARE ME