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Wednesday, 31 July, 2002, 11:35 GMT 12:35 UK
Treble joy for Dabaya
Cameroon weightlifter Tientcheu Dabaya grabbed all three gold medals in the under 69kg category on a day when Commonwealth records were shattered.
Dabaya, the 1999 All African Games champion, was on top form, claiming the overall title with 310kg along with victories in the snatch and the clean and jerk.
The Cameroon athlete was pushed to the limits in both events after a tough challenge from Pakistan's Muhammed Irfan, who finished with all three silvers and two Commonwealth records.
England's Stewart Cruikshank came third overall after his consistent performance, while Indian CPS Kumar and 1998 medallist Hidayat Hamidon of Malaysia grabbed the individual bronzes.
It might have been Dabaya's day, but it was Irfan who shattered both records.
Dabaya, making his distinctive yelping noises in preparation for the lift, then equalled it and therefore won gold as he had a lower body weight.
The Cameroon star greeted his triumph with a celebratory back flip to the loud cheers of a small but vocal group of fans.
In the clean and jerk, it was again down to the now familiar rivals as Irfan notched up a 170kg lift, 2.5kg more than the previous record mark, before being matched once more by Dabaya.
Cruikshank should also be delighted after adding another bronze to his 1994 combined medal.
Cruikshank, who won silver in the snatch discipline four years ago, got off to a disappointing start as he failed with 130kg twice.
The 1998 overall silver medallist Hidayat Hamidon of Malaysia was also having trouble but looked to pip Cruikshank when he lifted 130kg.
But the Englishman rose to the challenge by lifting 132.5kg to move into a potential medal position.
Kumar upped the stakes though, when, having failed at 132.5kg, went on to successfully manage 135kg and take the snatch bronze.
In the clean and jerk, Cruikshank looked as though he might sneak on the podium again after an impressive 165kg lift, only to be denied this time by Hamidon.
After failing twice at 165kg, the Malaysian put in a last ditch effort to lift 167.5kg and take the bronze.
The entertaining contest also said a sad farewell to 43-year-old Ray Williams.
The Welshman, who won the under 60kg category at the 1986 Games was never in the running, but still put on a delightful duel with team-mate Arfon Roberts in his last ever competition.
22 Jul 02 | Weightlifting
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