New Zealand weightlifter Ruth Anderson-Horrell has claimed three bronze medals competing in the women's 69 kilogram division at the Pacific Games in Port Moresby.
Anderson-Horrell, 31, earned her three medals across the snatch, clean and jerk, and total lift categories with lifts of 76, 100, and 176 kilograms. These results were a phenomenal effort considering she underwent wrist and tendon transfer surgery in her left hand in February this year.
"This is the first time that I've been able to stand on the podium wearing the silver fern,'" she said.
"It was an unforgettable moment for me."
Her coach, Jules Dempsey, was on hand for all of her lifts and was thrilled with her efforts given her tough build up to the competition. In February this year she underwent wrist and tendon transfer surgery in her left hand, stalling her preparation for the Pacific Games.
Not to be confined to the lifting platform, Anderson-Horrell has also excelled in other sporting disciplines. She has competed for three years at the World CrossFit Games in the USA gaining a top placing of fifteenth in 2013. She is also trained veterinarian and lives in Invercargill where she runs her own gym.
The weightlifting wraps up today in Port Moresby with New Zealand's remaining athletes lifting across the 105 and +105 kilogram men's, and the +75 kilogram women's weight divisions.
The current medal tally for the New Zealand Team sits at 4 bronze medals.
A ten-strong New Zealand Taekwondo team are due to arrive in Port Moresby on July 12. The Games conclude on July 18.
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