Nauru powerlifter

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.

Uepa broke his record of 426.5 kilograms in the squat to lift, by a massive 13.5 kilograms, now making his record 440 kilograms.

Speaking from the event Digicel Nauru CEO, Ben Kealy commented: “Jezza’s effort this evening (Saturday) was remarkable. Jezza is very focused with his competitions and does not take any event lightly. We are very proud to be associated with Jezza and to support him on his sporting journey as heaves his road to the Commonwealth Championship in New Zealand.”

As a Brand Ambassador for Digicel Nauru, Jezza broke his own record of 415 kilograms in the squat to lift, by a massive 11.5 kilograms, now making his record 426.5 kilograms.

Jezza will next compete at Christchurch, New Zealand in December for Oceania & Asia Commonwealth Championship.

Jezza broke his own record of 415 kilograms in the squat to lift, by a massive 11.5 kilograms, now making his record 426.5 kilograms.

Speaking from the event Digicel Samoa’s Chairman, Pepe Christian Fruean commented “Jezza’s effort today was outstanding. Ahead of the competition he was very focused, and the results certainly speak for themselves. We are very proud to be associated with Jezza and to support him on his sporting journey as heaves his road to Rio.”

Ahead of him is defending champ from the USA, Ray Williams who lifted an incredible 438 kilograms.

The world record holder is on a stopover in Fiji, applying for his visa to attend the power-lifting championship in Texas, US on June 19.

Fiji Times reports Harris, along with compatriot Jezza Uepa, competing in the super heavyweight category were at Charmans All Races Club yesterday training as a buildup towards the world event.