Lao girl wins weightlifting gold after only nine
months of training

Lao weightlifter Kheuakham Lee, 16, has won gold medal for Laos in the 53kg division of the weightlifting competition of the 25th SEA Games.

Ms Kheuakham's win was all the more amazing because she has only been training in the sport for nine months.

"I can't believe what I've achieved. It's so wonderful for me to be able to do this for Laos , my native country. I hope my achievements will be a model for the younger generation in the future," she said excitedly.

Nine months ago members of the Lao Weightlifting Federation visited Phonsavanh School where Ms Kheuakham is a pupil. They asked for anyone who was interested to consider training for the sport. The young woman was intrigued by the idea, especially the thought of representing her country at the games.

"Today is the best day of my life. So many people have congratulated me on winning a gold medal so I hope I can do the same again for Laos at future international sports meets," she said.

The gold medallist is the daughter of a family from Phonngam village in Xaythany district, Vientiane. She is the fourth of seven children and is now studying in preparation to enter the National University of Laos.

"This is the first time I've been involved in such a major event. I never imagined that I'd be so successful in weightlifting. I just volunteered to help my country when federation members came to my school. Of course, I look forward to more success at future games," she said.

(Source: Vientiane Times
By Souknilundon Southivongnorath)

Photo by  Reiko Chinen