The Commonwealth Games means more than gold to athletes around the world
This is the end of the men’s 67kg weightlifting competition at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and Kiribati’s Ruben Katoatau, 25, is one of the most popular contenders among fans and the media.
He didn’t win gold or silver or bronze, and even he didn’t understand why there was so much interest in him.
It could be the enthusiasm he uses to approach every lift, and the big smile that comes after every success.
Or it could be the spirit of “Friendly Games”, where everyone is happy to see competitors from small countries get a chance to shine.
And, no matter how good the gold, for many like Katoatau, being a part of the event means a lot.
“I’m very happy with the audience. I’m very happy for that,” he said.
“I get fire on my platform, and I lift weights. I really give it my all.”
Katoatau says weightlifting is not very popular on the Pacific Island.
He was inspired to start the sport because of his brother, David Katoatau, who went to three Olympics, and became a cult figure for enthusiastic dancing after lifts.
“I really like weightlifting because I just want to do everything for my country. And I really want to encourage everyone in Kiribati to do what I do,” said Katoatau.
Kato or trains outdoors, there is no proper gym where he lives and, when it rains, they have to find shelter.
He’s one of eight athletes competing from Kiribati at the Olympics, and they provide a valuable platform for him and his sport.
“The Commonwealth is huge for my country and, if everyone knew that I was competing here, it looks like I was really famous this time,” he said.
Nikhat Zareen fights for women’s rights
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Nikhat Zareen of India is the favorite to win the women’s 48-50kg light flyweight gold.
He was recently crowned world champion, and a popular figure at home, competing in his first Commonwealth Games.
“This is a bigger opportunity for me to showcase my game here and to gain experience before the Paris Olympics,” he said.
“I’m really excited and I’m looking forward to winning all the games and winning the gold medal for my country.”
This 26 year old woman is also an important role model for girls and women in particular.
“Coming from the Muslim community, there are many women who want to achieve their dreams, but because of the Orthodox community’s thinking, they don’t come out,” he said.
“I also come from a society where they don’t allow girls to achieve their dreams. But I am against them because of my father’s support.
“And I think if I win a medal here, a gold medal for my country, for sure it will be a great message and inspiration for them.”
Queen of Malawi hopes to challenge the top four
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Australia, England, New Zealand, Jamaica – this is the netball power we are used to seeing on the podium.
But the Queen of Malawi has always excelled in this sport. Four years ago on the Gold Coast they beat Silver Ferns, and they are currently ranked seventh in the world.
That’s despite not having a single indoor netball court in the country: They train on hard outdoor surfaces.
“If God gives you the opportunity to be on a platform like this, you have to show your best because a lot of people are willing to come here, but they can’t manage it. [to get to the Games],” said Malawi coach Peace Chawinga-Kalua.
“So to have that opportunity of a lifetime, I’d call it the opportunity of a lifetime, you need to show something for Malawi. We’re going to do it.”
Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world, but Chawinga-Kalua said the government plans to build indoor open fields.
“They have promised us everything and they have told us we will not miss any of the upcoming tournaments,” he said.
That tells us that, if we want to play a lot of games so the girls can relate [with the best in the world]it’s worth it.”
And that could mean, one day in the not too distant future, that medal podium might have a new team standing at the top.
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