Following in the footsteps of his family 18-year-old Don Opeloge won Samoa's first Commonwealth Games medal in the Men's 85kg weightlifting on the Gold Coast last night.
Opeloge's medal at Carrara stadium last nights was Samoa's 11th ever Commonwealth Games medal, just three years after the teen started weightlifting because of his family's involvement in the sport.
Last night he continued their legacy securing the silver medal after to lifted for gold with 191kg in his final clean and jerk attempt, but failing to press the weight over his head, he remained in second.
Opeloge is the nephew of former international weightlifting medallist Niusila Opeloge, and his aunties Ele and Mary are Commonwealth Games weightlifting medallists for Samoa.
His family are also part of his coaching team, and a huge crowd of family came out to cheer him on at Carrara last night.
Speaking to 1 NEWS after the medal ceremony, Opeloge said he was disappointed he didn’t make his final attempt to secure a gold medal, but will learn from his mistakes.
"I want to say thank you to my family for their support, and my team, and my country Samoa."
New Zealand's gold medal defender Richie Patterson competed in the same weight category last night, sadly ending his career with three no-lifts.
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