CNMI Weightlifting has announced the members of the local team that will represent the Commonwealth in the upcoming Pacific Mini Games 2022 which the Northern Marianas will host.
The CNMI aim to repeat its 2018 haul of 15 weightlifting medals — six gold, seven silver and two bronze.
For this year’s Mini Games, which are set for June 17 to 25, the CNMI women’s roster includes Raegine Camacho who will compete in the 87kg weight class; Riella Ichiuo, 81kg; Antonette Labausa, 76kg; Cheyanne Manuel, 71kg; and Pipit Ball, 64kg.
The men’s team members are Jason Limes, 109+kg; Joey Colisao, 109kg; David Barnhouse, 102kg; Angel San Nicolas, 96kg; Leonardo “Leo” Apelo, 89kg; Emmanuel Aquino, 81kg; Joseph “Joey” Tudela, 81kg; Joshua Meneses, 73kg; Leowell Cristobal, 67kg; and Raymond Santos, 55kg.
In an interview, Leowell Cristobal said, “It’s an honor to represent the CNMI once more. I’m super excited for the Mini Games and excited to see what I can bring to the table for CNMI Weightlifting.”
The 23-year-old who is currently attending the Air Force Academy in Colorado was included in the local team after updating CNMI Weightlifting with his progress, including his recent competition results and training.
“Looking at the results of the previous Mini Games, I think the competition will be tough, but this just means I got to work harder and put in more effort,” he added.
Cristobal said his personal best so far is 97kg snatch, 125kg clean and jerk, and a total weight of 222kg.
For his part, David Barnhouse, 29, also expects some very strong competitors in the 2022 Mini Games, including some Olympians.
To prepare for the event, he said right now, “depending on the phase of training, some of us are doing up to eight sessions a week.”
Jason Limes successfully executes a snatch during the 2nd Marianas Cup at the multi-purpose center on March 27, 2021.
Riella Ichiuo preps for the snatch during the 2nd Marianas Cup at the multi-purpose center on March 27, 2021.
