Nauru Government celebrates powerlifting world dominance

The Government of Nauru has celebrated the crowning of Nauruan powerlifter Jezza Uepa as the World’s Strongest Man following an incredible effort at the World Powerlifting Championship in Sweden.

Government Ministers David Adeang, Tawaki Kam, and Aaron Cook were on hand to welcome gold medallist Jezza back to Nauru on Sunday 23  June, and the celebrations continued last week with a special event at the Meneñ Hotel to honour the efforts of all competitors.

Jezza took the honours in Sweden in the World Classic in the super heavyweight +120kg class after the USA’s Ray Williams failed with three opening squats at 440 kilograms.

Success also for Irving Harris who took gold in the Master Class 2 division. Overall Nauru ranked 13 out of 66 competing countries, a wonderful effort considering there were only seven lifters in the Nauru team.

President of the Nauru Powerlifting Federation Horasio Cook said he was proud of the team with all athletes making the top ten in their individual categories. “We won seven medals in total with four gold, one silver and two bronze and that’s something they should all be proud of.”

Jezza thanked his coach for believing in him saying he has helped make him the man he is today.

In congratulating the team the government said they will continue supporting Nauru’s powerlifting efforts into the future.

 

Photo from Deskgram