Competing at the Olympics is a milestone, but finishing in the top five is the icing on the cake.
Papua New Guinea lifter and three-time Olympian, Morea Baru, expressed this sentiment after his impressive performance at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Baru finished fifth in the Men’s 61kg Weightlifting event at South Paris Arena 6, ahead of competitors from Georgia and Kiribati, while lifters from Italy, Bulgaria, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia did not finish their lifts.
He lifted a total of 279kg, with 118kg in the snatch and 161kg in the clean and jerk.
Baru credited his success to his hard work and the guidance of his coach, Paul Coffa, under whom he trained for about five months in Melbourne, Australia.
He also trained with Commonwealth gold medallist, Eileen Cikamatana of Team Australia.
Training in Melbourne allowed Baru to spend time with his biggest cheerleader and supporter, his wife Boni Morkai Baru, who works in the meat industry in Brisbane. He spent his days off from training with her in Brisbane.
Baru’s previous Olympic appearances saw him finish sixth at Rio 2016 and tenth at Tokyo 2020.
“It feels like all the hard work has paid off; I’m happy that I represented my country,” Baru said.
“I want to thank God for His guidance and protection and the strength that He gave me throughout the preparation, especially in the competition.
“This is my best Olympic performance so far.”
Maintaining a healthy diet to keep his weight in check was one of his biggest challenges, teaching him discipline.
He hopes his Olympic performance will inspire children back in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.
“If you want to achieve anything in life, you not only have to work hard but also enjoy what you are doing.
“I have to look after my bodyweight – less food, more training. It was one of the hardest exercises to do.
“I think I can go for another Olympics; I will go step by step,” he said.
He acknowledged international coach Paul Coffa, PNG national coach Willie Tamasi, PNG Weightlifting Federation president Dika Toua, and the national Olympic Committee for their support.
“I also want to thank my country for their support; I know they were in front of the TV cheering for me.”
Baru’s third Olympic appearance was special as he shared the stage with fellow Pacific lifter Kaimauri Erati from Team Kiribati.
“It was an honour for me to have someone from the Pacific stand beside me and fight for their country,” Baru said.
