WEIGHTLIFTING: It’s almost a script for a Hollywood movie, man moves countries, contracts a life-threatening illness which he overcomes to pursue his Olympic dream.
But that movie is closer to becoming a reality as Australian weightlifter Simplice Ribouem chases his Olympic dream.
The dual Commonwealth Games medallist is currently in the top Australian male position after a strong performance last December at the Australian Open.
Ribouem, in the 94kg division, managed to lift a total of 351kg, despite having contracted malaria only six months earlier.
Such is the remarkableness of the lift that the 33-year-old was shocked.
“At the Australian Open I surprised myself with the weight. I couldn’t even believe I lifted that heavy weight. It means training’s building really well. I’m on a good track this year,” Ribouem said.
The Cameroon-born athlete had been back in his home country with family after his father passed away in early 2015.
“I lost my Dad last year and it was a really difficult moment for me. When I came back (from Cameroon) I had malaria.
“Eventually I got good medical support. It took me a week in hospital to get me back on track.
“I’ve made a 110% recovery for weightlifting but my body’s immunisation is still not great.”
It’s been an eventful career for Ribouem, after competing for Cameroon at the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games he decided to stay in Australia.
“I decided to stay after Melbourne to build a life.
“I’d like to make the Olympic Games for everyone; my children, two boys, family back home, people who supported me - especially at the gym.”
Four years after that decision, Ribouem went on to represent his adopted country, – claiming what he describes as his career highlight - a gold medal at the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games and then silver at the Glasgow 2014 Games.
But it all started with some helpful family advice.
“My Mum advised me to do weightlifting. She said to me, ‘Can you try weightlifting’ and I said ‘Yeah I can try that’ and I enjoyed it and have a lot of passion for it.”
It’s a love for sport and the Games he’s passing onto his two boys.
“They’re never wanting me to miss any training sessions. They’re so cute I love them.
“If I made the Olympics I’m pretty sure they’d be screaming with excitement at home you’d be able to hear them on the plane to Rio.”
Australian Weightlifting Federation High Performance Coordinator Jacqui White said Ribouem’s performance at the Open in Melbourne late last year was a surprise for many.
“It was frightening, in a good way, that he managed to lift what he did with his health last year,” White said.
“He seems to be feeling strong at the moment.”
Ribouem’s main competition for what is expected to be Australia’s one spot at the Rio Games is Francois Etoundi and Damon Kelly.
So far Ribouem is the only one to have lifted the Olympic qualifying standard, with the next opportunity for athletes the Oceania Championships in May.
Ribouem knows it will be tight, with the competition in Fiji another good opportunity to perform a strong snatch and clean and jerk.
“I just need to keep training to secure my place. Obviously Fiji in May is going to give me another adrenaline moment. I’ll say to myself ‘Simplice it’s not a training session, let’s do it’.”
ANNIE KEARNEY
olympics.com.au
