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Weight to go local weightlifters rejoice at prospect of Olympic qualification

Jamaica Weightlifting Federation (JWF) President Dr Mark Broomfield is grateful for the potential of Olympic Games qualification and much-needed exposure after three Jamaicans were accepted to compete at the Pan American Weightlifting Championship.

The regional event is set for Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic April 17-24, providing the opportunity for qualification to this summer’s rescheduled 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

The Jamaican trio is based overseas — James Daley (96 kg) and Omarie Mears (89 kg) are situated in the United Kingdom, while female weightlifter Sientje Henderson (87 kg) resides in the United States.

By their participation alone there is optimism that the local federation, which was only launched in January 2020, can gather traction for its programmes in spite of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“To be participating in the Pan Am Championship one year after launching really is an excellent accomplishment for the country, and the fact that we have a female, as well, who has been accepted,” Broomfield told the Jamaica Observer during a telephone interview.

“They have been granted acceptance based on what they’ve been doing within the space in the absence of qualifying events. We really feel good, my executive [team] is happy, and the athletes are happy too,” he continued.

He reasoned that the exposure will pique the interest of others eligible to compete for Jamaica.

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