From Fiji Times Online (8 November 2007)

Irava leads lifters to Commonwealth meet

by Otilly Rabuku

LEADING powerlifter Eliesa Irava will spearhead a five-member team to the upcoming Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in Christchurch from December 6-9.

The Rotuman strongman notched a silver medal in the 2005 championships where he competed with Eric Jioji.

"This will be the second championship and I'm confident we have a good team to better our performance from 2005," he said.

Irava is optimistic the team comprising of Helen Pahulu and South Pacific Games gold medalist Sainimili Turner, Mohammed Ramzan and Lorance Visanti will finish on a high note.

"We're taking a much larger team to New Zealand and I wouldn't say that we're not able to achieve a higher finish," Irava said.

He said since the recent SPG in Apia, powerlifters consistency have been monitored.

"Since coming back from Samoa we identified a few lifters and basically had a fair idea of who can make it," Irava said.

"A trial was not held and powerlifters were identified according to their lifting standards.

"The level at the Commonwealth is much higher than SPG and Oceania and winning gold at the SPG doesn't automatically qualify them."

The powerlifters are based in Suva and team training kicks-off at the Hyundai Gym this weekend.