Seychelles got off the mark in the 13th edition of the Commission de la Jeunesse et des Sports de l’Océan Indien (CJSOI) Games with a solid performance in weightlifting on Sunday, securing a total of eight medals on the opening day of competition held at the Roche Caiman Dojo.
The island nation’s first medals came from the girls’ competition, where Sharina Anthony, last year’s Best Young Female Athlete, impressed in the –64kg category, claiming three bronze medals — one each in the snatch, clean & jerk, and overall total. Anthony lifted 53kg in the snatch, followed by 65kg in the clean & jerk, bringing her overall total to 118kg.
Her efforts and calm execution not only earned her a well-deserved place on the podium behind athletes from Madagascar and La Réunion, it has additionally put her in the running to defend her young sportswoman of the year title won in 2024.
In the -71kg category, Camilla Farabeau added two bronze medals to Seychelles’ tally. Unable to successfully get the better of her opponents in the snatch to miss out on a medal in that segment, she bounced back with a strong performance in the clean & jerk, lifting 60kg, to secure a second bronze in the overall total with a combined 100kg.
On the boys’ side, Guilliano Pierre, himself a favourite at the sports awards earlier this year delivered a steady and composed performance in the -54kg category, earning three bronze medals in the end for his efforts.
Pierre lifted 59kg in the snatch, 65kg in the clean & jerk, to achieve a total of 124kg for third place overall. Competing against strong lifters from Madagascar and La Réunion, the diminutive lifter held his own admirably in between lifts, confirming the promise of his potential as a future champion.
The eight medals — five from the girls and three from the boys — mark a strong start for Seychelles at CJSOI 2025, particularly in a discipline that has traditionally brought success for the country at both youth and senior levels.
