Weightlifting: 2015, a glittering year for Ruby |16 October 2015

Ruby Malvina is surely getting used to being greeted by high sports dignitaries every time she comes home from international competitions in what has been an amazing year for the weightlifter.

Having already come back with gold medals around her neck after the ninth Indian Ocean Island Games (IOIG) and later the 11th All-Africa Games, yesterday Ruby arrived at the Seychelles International Airport with perhaps her biggest prize of the year, the Commonwealth Youth, Junior and Senior Weightlifting Championship 58kg category gold medal.

She achieved it in Pune, India.

Greeted upon arrival by the Minister for Social Affairs, Community Development and Sports, Vincent Meriton and the chief executive of the National Sports Council, Giovanna Rousseau, Malvina received a gift hamper as reward for her efforts.

For those wondering if she got a monetary reward for her exploits, the minister revealed that his department is working on it and will announce it soon.

Ruby won gold in the 58kg category. Her total lift of 197kg (85kg in snatch and 112kg in clean & jerk) was all she needed to overcome the challenge of silver medallist Wini Jenlyn Tejo of the Solomon Islands who lifted a total of 194kg (84kg in snatch and 110kg clean & jerk). The bronze medal went to India’s Minati Sethi who finished with the same total as Teju but lost second place as a result of a superior body weight.

“I knew I would do it and I am very happy,” said Ruby. “It was more difficult than the All-Africa Games as all categories – youth, junior and senior – competed together and therefore made it difficult to know who you are competing against,” said Malvina.

A lot of praise went the way of coach Macdonald Henriette who Malvina said is the reason why she has hit the heights she is at right now.

Minister Meriton had words of praise for Malvina saying she is an example for other athletes to follow as her determination, devotion and hard work has made her produce such great results.
Malvina was not the only Seychellois lifter who competed at the championship as Rick Confiance finished sixth in the men’s 62kg category with a total lift of 235kg (108kg in snatch and 127kg in clean & jerk).
He was also greeted by the officials at the airport yesterday and although he did not manage to win a medal, he still put in a strong performance in Pune, India.
Justin Ernest headed the Seychelles delegation

S. N.