Australian weightlifter Simplice Ribouem has been forced to pull out of today’s 94kg event after aggravating a knee injury.

Ribouem was to lift at his fourth Commonwealth Games after representing Australia at Delhi 2010, Glasgow 2014 and Cameroon at Melbourne 2006.

Following a thorough consultation with the Australian medical team it was agreed that the 35-year-old had no option but to withdraw from competition.

Ribouem said he was disappointed that he would unable to lift in front of a home crowd.

“I was really looking forward to lifting in front of all my family at a home Commonwealth Games,” he said.

“Unfortunately my knee is just not up to competing at the level required,” Ribouem said.

Australia has claimed gold and bronze medals on the weightlifting program so far with six competitors remaining including Commonwealth Games debutants Phillipa Malone and Stephanie Davies on day four of competition.