Africa-Press – Seychelles. Power lifter Richard Sophola added another gold medal to Seychelles’ tally at the ongoing 16th Special Olympics World Games taking place in Berlin, after winning the men’s deadlift competition, while in the men’s squat, he could only manage the second overall spot to bring home the silver medal.
In the men’s deadlift, Sophola’s best attempt was 185kg, putting him ahead of Algerian Khaled Aribi – 159kg – who was second, and Bulgarian Kastidin Velkov who finished third overall after lifting 110kg.
Fourth overall was Jordanian Karim Al Jabbareen who also lifted 110kg.
In the men’s squat, Sophola, who just started power lifting in February, managed to finish second with a best performance of 120kg, finishing behind Velkov who took the gold medal, while Aribi finished third overall.
Unfortunately for Sophola, he could only manage a fourth-place finish in bench press.
The power lifter sent messages of gratitude to all those who helped him with his preparations, namely coaches Jean Vardin, Regis Delorie and Gabriel Coeur de Lion.
Seychelles’ tally of medals until now at the 16th World Games is two gold, two silver and three bronze.
The country’s other gold medal came courtesy of long Jumper Jean-Marc de Silva who leapt a distance of 2.38m, while Seychelles’ other silver medal was won by Suzie Sarakkya in women’s singles bocce.
As for the bronze medals, they have been won by Sarakkya and Anielle Charlette in women’s doubles bocce, while Peter Valentin and Graham Jacques won one apiece in the men’s singles bocce.
Team Seychelles at the Games are made up of Donelle Ernesta (girls athletics), Jean-Marc de Silva and Anil Quatre (boys athletics), Graham Jacques, Anielle Charlette – from La Digue – Peter Valentin, Maggie Estico – from Praslin – Aleandro Croisée, Suzie Sarakkya – from Mahé – (bocce), and Richard Sophola (power lifting).
They are being accompanied by head coach Erica Celeste, coaches Olivier Nibourette, Vincent Cedras, Rency Balgobin and Jean Vardin, Hellen Ernesta (head of delegation), Raymonde Onezime (assistant head of delegation) and Dr Mickey Noël (medical).
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