WEIGHTLIFTING: Dual Olympian Damon Kelly has today finished in eighth position in the Group B Men’s +105kg competition at ExCel Centre. 

The 28-year-old from Queensland finished with a combined total of 381kg in a competitive and entertaining session, with strong Aussie support in the crowd providing added motivation during competition. In the opening snatch section, Kelly's best lift after three attempts 165kg. It was in the clean and jerk that he really showed his skills following up with a best score of 216kg. 

The top three competitors from the Group B Session were Yauheni Zharnasek (BLR) with 426kg, Shih-Chieh Chen (TPE) 418kg and Peter Nagy (HUN) 416kg.  

Kelly was extremely pleased with his performance after he battled some injury problems leading into the Games.

“I didn’t have any idea on what place I’d be getting today with the injury etcetera. A crowd like that though, it really helps. The adrenalin kicked in and I was very happy with the lifts today.

“Even though the weight was down, to be able to get six from six, I was happy. 

“Being the second time around, I’ve enjoyed it (Olympic Games) a lot more – I was able to enjoy the crowd and take it all in." It is rare for weightlifters to make it to make it to three Olympics and although Kelly would dearly hope to be in Rio, there are a few things on the horizon.

“If the body holds up I might be in Rio – not many weightlifters make it to three Olympics so that’d be something pretty special. We’re expecting a baby in December so that will change a few things around a bit, we’ll see how we go,” he laughed.

As the sole male Australian representative in the Weightlifting, he is now looking forward to watching and supporting other Australian athletes in their respective competitions over the remaining days of the Games. 

Group A of the Men’s +105kg will compete at 7.30pm on Tuesday, at the conclusion of which the final placings will be known. 

Lauren Ryan in London

Olympics.com.au