By Faith Chen
PALAU — Palau’s weightlifting team is intensifying preparations for the 2025 GWF Invitational Open Championships, set for Dec. 20 in Guam, where athletes from across the region will compete in multiple weight categories.
After a brief hiatus following the Pacific Mini Games, the team, under the guidance of coach Stevick Patris, has returned to daily training sessions with renewed focus and determination.
“After the mini games they stopped training for a while, so when they came back they trained to their max. I’m confident they will do well in Guam,” Patris said.
The women’s competition will include 58kg, 69kg, 71kg, and 89+kg classes, while the youth boys’ division will feature 60kg, 65kg, 71kg, and 88kg categories.
Athletes have described the combination of physical strain and mental resilience required in the lead-up to the championships. Kaitlin Ordiil Isalias, who has been lifting for about two years, said returning to full training after a month-long break for personal reasons has been challenging. “Our coach has not been going easy on us, so it’s been very difficult, but my numbers are slowly coming back. My goal is to open with a 55kg snatch and 75kg clean and jerk,” she said.
Roxanne Mae Canete emphasized the mental hurdles. “Physically I know I can do it, but mentally it’s tough. I’ve experienced the worst of the pain before, so sometimes it’s intimidating. But I’m using the competition as motivation to improve,” she said.
Youth lifter Gyro Ramirez is focused on surpassing his personal best of 65kg. “My goal for Guam is to beat my personal best and win as many medals as possible,” he said.
The 2025 GWF Invitational Open Championships will feature Youth, Junior, and Senior divisions, providing a regional stage for athletes to demonstrate strength, technique, and discipline in weightlifting.