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. Ruben Katoatau of Kiribati also competed at last year’s Tokyo Olympics. ( Reuters: Edgard Garrido ) He was inspired to start the sport