Former Fiji weightlifting star Eileen Cikamatana has once again showcased her world-class talent, claiming gold and setting a new Commonwealth record with a remarkable total lift of 248 kilograms.

The victory marks Cikamatana’s third Commonwealth title. She first struck gold for Fiji at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in the women’s 90kg division before switching allegiance to Australia. Four years later, she claimed gold for Australia at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, setting a Games record total of 255kg in the women’s 87kg category.

Her latest triumph comes after a difficult period following the Paris Olympics, where she narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth in a heartbreaking result.

Speaking after her victory, Cikamatana described the achievement as “mission accomplished.”

“I came for one thing, and I got that one thing,“ she said.

“I had days that I wanted to exit the door, but I’m glad I pulled that left leg back in.”

Cikamatana revealed she had initially planned to retire following the Paris Olympics but chose to continue after falling short of her medal target.

“The original plan was to finish off after the Paris Olympics, but we didn’t get what we wanted,” she said.

Her perseverance paid off in Glasgow, where she once again demonstrated the resilience and determination that have made her one of the Commonwealth’s most successful weightlifters.

The gold medal not only adds to her impressive collection but also serves as a powerful statement of her ability to bounce back from disappointment and continue performing on the biggest stage.