IMAGE|| Damon Kelly

Commonwealth Games Australia is pleased to confirm the 16 athletes who will represent Australia in the weightlifting competition at Gold Coast 2018.

Headlining the team are experienced Queensland duo Damon Kelly, who has been named in his fourth Commonwealth Games team having previously medalled in Melbourne 2006 (silver), Delhi 2010 and Glasgow 2014 (bronze), and Deborah Acason who has been named in her fifth Commonwealth Games team. Acason has medalled on five occasions including gold on home soil in Melbourne 2006.

DAMON KELLY WILL BE AVAILABLE TO MEDIA TODAY, TUESDAY JANUARY 23 AT 12PM IN BRISBANE AS HE HITS THE GYM WITH THE BRISBANE LIONS.

WHAT: Damon Kelly gym opportunity with Brisbane Lions

WHO: Damon Kelly and Lions’ Rhys Mathieson available

WHEN: Midday, Tuesday January 23

WHERE: Brisbane Lions Gym, Gabba (media should meet outside gate 2 by 11.50am)

The team will also feature nine Commonwealth Games debutants including Tia-Clair Toomey who was crowned ‘Worlds Fittest Woman’ at the 2017 CrossFit Games.

Veteran Seen Lee has been named for her fourth Commonwealth Games, so too Simplice Ribouem who won a bronze medal representing Cameroon in Melbourne 2006 before competing under the Australian flag and medalling at Delhi 2010 (gold) and Glasgow 2014 (silver).

Australian Team Chef de Mission Steve Moneghetti welcomed the mix of the experience and fresh faces on to the Australian Team.

“Deborah and Damon are two of Australia’s most successful weightlifters and have represented Australia with great distinction and success at the Commonwealth Games, so it is wonderful to have them on the team and very special that they get to compete in their second home games, this time in their home state” Moneghetti said.

“As Chef de Mission I love to welcome new faces on to the team. Being part of a Commonwealth Games team for the first time is so special and I’m certain our nine weightlifting debutants will have a memorable experience.

“The weightlifting competition is really unique and exciting. The atmosphere – particularly in front of home a crowd – is going to be really special at Gold Coast 2018,” Moneghetti said.

The Australian Weightlifting Team for Gold Coast 2018 is a follows:

WOMENS

Alyce Stephenson – 48k Category

Tegan Napper – 53k Category

Tia Clair Toomey – 58k Category

Seen Lee – 63k Category

Philippa Malone – 69k Category

Stephanie Davies – 75k Category

Kaitlyn Fassina – 90k Category

Deborah Acason – +90k Category

MENS

Phillip Liao – 56k Category

Vannara Be – 62k Category

Brandon Wakeling – 69k Category

Francois Etoundi – 77k Category

Boris Elesin – 85k Category

Simplice Ribouem – 94k Category

Ridge Barredo – 105k Category

Damon Kelly – +105k Category

Tickets for Weightlifting at the superb new Carrara Sports Centre are still available for seven sessions but moving fast. 

Go to gc2018.com/tickets