Weightlifter breaks records but falls short

Lou Guinares of New Zealand competes in the Mens 56 kg weightlifting. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealander Lou Guinares finished out of the medals on the opening night of weightlifting at the Commonwealth Games, but not before he set six New Zealand records and a personal best in the process.

The 20-year-old Philippines-born lifter was placed seventh in the 13-man 56kg field.

The Aucklander, who only took up the sport at One Tree Hill College two years ago, has now accumulated 33 national junior and senior records in his short career.

Guinares followed his brother Ianne into the sport and, according to weightlifting manager Tina Ball, was not even contemplating a Commonwealth Games appearance at the start of the year.

"When I suggested it should be a goal he said, 'What? Me?'," she said.

As impressive as his performance was, Guinares was operating in a different realm to the experienced and powerful Asian contingent, led by gold medallist Amirul Ibrahim.

The Malaysian set a Commonwealth record in the snatch, clearing 116kg and finished with a combined 257kg.
Indians Sukhen Dey and Rao Valluri won silver and bronze respectively.

Guinares cleared 90kg on his first clean attempt, before failing at 94kg, a weight he lifted on his third and final try.

In the clean and jerk section, Guinares dropped his first attempt at 120kg, but cleared it on his second lift.

He cleared 124kg, a combined 218kg, on his final lift and was clearly pleased with his effort.

"It was a really nerve-wracking experience," said Guinares. "It's what I need for my career. I've only been training for two years, these [other] guys have been doing it for 10 years."

Guinares has a tribal tattoo on his side that incorporates the Philippines flag with the inscription: "Filipino by blood and in heart."

"When my friends ask me if I want to represent the Philippines I say no. I'm proud and honoured to represent New Zealand," he said.

The event was not without controversy. Mauritian lifter Marc Coret was given a fourth lift. Officials held him back in the waiting area before his third lift, not giving him enough time. After furious consultation he was given an extra attempt at 95, which he also missed.

On another occasion, Pakistan athlete Abdullah Ghafoor was about to lift the bar when officials told him it was not his turn.