By IANS,
Wellington : Samoa, one of the smallest country’s in the world with a population of about 220,000, is rejoicing the four medals, including three golds, it won in the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.
The three gold medals are the first for Samoa at the Commonwealth Games. It has also won a bronze medal.
An ecstatic Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork, the weightlifting coach whose three athletes got a record three gold medals, said: “Yes it’s all over now and what a relief.”
“It’s been a hectic past six months.”
Fa’avae Faauliuli won Samoa’s first gold Saturday followed by siblings Ele and Niusila Opeloge Sunday.
Having a population of 219,998, Samoa is situated half way between Hawaii and New Zealand in the South Pacific Oceans. It is spread over 2,800 sq km.
Wallwork told the Samoa Observer: “As a coach, it is the proudest and happiest time of my years in sport…There’s nothing more rewarding then seeing your athletes perform and fight to the end.”
He added: “I always say to my athletes, it doesn’t matter to me if you don’t win a medal but as long as they perform a personal best and fight to the end and not give up.
“This is very important for all athletes in all sports.”