Weightlifting: Flatmates score twin win

Wellington flatmates Olivia Baker and Keisha-Dean Soffe had a double reason to celebrate yesterday.

They were named in the New Zealand weightlifting team for the Commonwealth Games in July and August, the first time women have been allowed to compete in the sport at the Games.

They were the only women weightlifters selected. Both will compete in the over-75kg event.

Competing against each other is not new, nor does it pose a problem.

Soffe said that being in the same weight class did not affect the pair's friendship.

"When we compete it doesn't matter who it is against. I am always doing my best and giving myself the best opportunity to win."

At the recent Oceania championships in Fiji, Baker finished third and Soffe fourth. Baker, 22, is ranked No 2 in the Commonwealth.

Men: Terry Hughes (Christchurch) 62kg, Grant Cavit (Auckland) 85kg, Nigel Avery (Auckland) 105kg plus.

Women: Keisha-Dean Soffe (Wellington) 75kg plus, Olivia Baker (Wellington) 75kg plus.

Elite athlete with a disability: George Taamaru (Auckland) 100kg plus.

- NZPA