Four years after claiming Commonwealth Games gold for Fiji, weightlifter Eileen Cikamatana is raring for the chance to repeat the feat for Australia.
Cikamatana triumphed in the women's 90kg on the Gold Coast as an 18-year-old, then switched to competing for Australia, becoming a citizen in 2019 via a distinguished talent visa.
Ineligible to compete in green and gold at the Tokyo Olympics after her switch, she has her sights set on making her mark at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham starting on July 28.
"I'm happy to wear the green and gold for these Commonwealth Games, it's a dream come true," Cikamatana said.
"It's a great opportunity. To get that opportunity to represent another country, and especially Australia, where you get respected for what you do, it's a dream come true.
"No words can describe the feeling of it.
"That's the good thing about it because you know that you'll be supported in whatever you do and the opportunities come to you left right and centre, especially when you're in Australia.
"You lift to get more medals, break records and make the country proud and I'm appreciative of the opportunity that they've given me."
Cikamatana was among the athletes involved in the pre-Games Queen's Baton Relay at the MCG on Sunday.
The 22-year-old relished the opportunity as she awaits confirmation of selection.
"It's a big opportunity for me," she said.
"Holding the baton today just gave me an extra burning fire, telling me that Birmingham is around the corner and I have to give it everything
"Right now, I'm just keeping my hopes all together.
"Continue training as hard as ever, getting those goals achieved, preparing myself mentally and physically, no matter what the outcome is.
"At this moment, all I can think of is train hard, keep hoping for the best and wait for the announcing day, whether I'm in or not."
