Cheyanne Manuel, representing Pohnpei, poses with the three silver medals in weightlifting she won at the 2024 Micronesian Games in Majuro, the Marshall Islands on Tuesday.
CHEYANNE Manuel, representing Pohnpei, placed second in three separate weightlifting categories at the 2024 Micronesian Games in Majuro, the Marshall Islands on Tuesday.
She had her sights on the gold medal in the 71kg weight class but fell short. However, she recorded a snatch of 71kg and clean & jerk of 91kg for a total weight of 162kg to earn three silver medals.
When asked how the competition was, she said, “I loved it. I was surrounded by a hospitable team and host island. It was competitive but warm at the same time.”
As for winning three silver medals, she said, “I am happy but not satisfied. I will definitely be working even harder for the next upcoming games.”
An NMI resident, Manuel said she “originally trained months before…with the full intention of representing the NMI. However, I had to think of my well-being, progression, and my weightlifting coach, which resulted in me pulling out.”
She said her coach, Angel San Nicolas, made sure to coach Manuel and the rest of the Pohnpei weightlifters as well.
“I will always have love and appreciation for the islands and people of the NMI even if I am representing my home country now,” Manuel added.
She believes that representing Pohnpei is just another step forward in her weightlifting journey. “It means so much to me not only to compete for a team, but to be in a team that consists of my family,” Manuel said.
Her parents are originally from Pingelap, an outer island of Pohnpei.
