Strong show for glory, pain

THERE were mixed results for Tasmania’s two competitors at the 2018 Australian Team Weightlifting Trials in what was the last chance to impress for Commonwealth Games selection.

While Kaitlyn Fassina set a new personal best in the 90kg division to all but book her ticket to the Gold Coast in April, Camilla Fogagnolo was pipped at the death in the 75kg class.

Fassina, 27, was the only competitor in her division but stamped herself as genuine medal contender for the country by adding 6kg to her PB total.

The national champion and Commonwealth Championships silver medallist produced a 107kg snatch and 127kg clean and jerk, further entrenching her as the No.2 lifter in the Commonwealth in the 90kg category.

“In her category, there was only two or three people, one went up to a higher category, one is injured, so Kaity was the only one really there,” said Tasmanian and Australian coach Leo Isaac.

“Having said that, it is also important to appreciate she is now sitting in a very commanding position, she is currently ranked the fifth best Australian in any body weight division and also she is sitting in a silver medal position in the Commonwealth.

“She performed six out of six lifts, produced a personal best all round, and had a good tournament. It is an indication of where she is at.”

While Fassina was celebrating her performance, Fogagnolo was left shattered after entering the trials as the No.1 lifter in her division but walking away empty-handed.

Fogagnolo’s 199kg total was the benchmark for the six athletes and while she was unable to better her total, South Australian Stephanie Davies swooped with one of the last lifts.

“Basically she was eclipsed by one girl who did 200kg with a last desperate attempt,” Isaac said.

“Cam had her opportunities, unfortunately it didn’t come off for her and she is now the reserve at 75kg.”

Glasgow representative in the 75kg division Kylie Lindbeck failed to record a total at the trials.

Three-time Commonwealth Games medallist Damon Kelly appears on track for a fourth appearance after putting a combined 360kg total on the board in the 105kg and over division.

Selectors will now assess best totals in recognised events from this year before submitting a list to Commonwealth Games Australia for possible selection.