Commonwealth Games: Ling Wei Phillip Liao selected for 56kg weightlifting

A DEBUTANT weightlifter is hoping birthday luck will bring him good results at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

Ling Wei Phillip Liao, 24, of Chester Hill, competing in the clean and jerk at the 2018 Australian Team Trials at the Quaycentre, Olympic Park, on December 17, 2017. Picture: Australian Weightlifting Federation

THE decision to cut weight and compete in a different weight division paid off for Ling Wei Phillip Liao.

The Chester Hill man was selected to compete in the men’s 56kg weightlifting division at the upcoming Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

The games debutant, who first started weightlifting about six years ago, said he does not get nervous when he competes.

“It’s pretty intrinsic when you compete, whether it’s in front of a full crowd or nobody, the bar’s the bar,” he said.

“To be selected in the team, you have to establish yourself in certain competition throughout the year.

“If after you finish all the sanctioned events you are the number one, plus represented Australia internationally that year, you get selected as the Commonwealth Games representative.”

The 24-year-old said he made the decision to drop from the 62kg division to the 56kg early last year.

Ling Wei Phillip Liao, 24, of Chester Hill, competing in the clean and jerk at the 2018 Australian Team Trials at the Quaycentre, Olympic Park, on December 17, 2017. Picture: Australian Weightlifting Federation

“I was number one ranked in the 62kg coming into about February or March last year, then one of the veterans, a two-time Commonwealth Games rep from Melbourne (Vannara Be) decided to come out of retirement and he blew everyone out of the park,” he said.

“I thought there’s no chance here, let’s see what’s happening downstairs.

“There was never a doubt in my mind that I would make the weight. Although I only had about eight weeks to lose it, when you have a reason to lose it, you can just do it.”

Liao said he was not feeling any particular emotions about the games as he was cutting weight again, but expected to peak after his weigh-in.

“I’ve already told my coach, give me a Nutella sandwich after I weigh in,” he said.

“That’s followed by a peanut butter one, and it has to be smooth, I’m not after all the health benefits, just the taste.”

Vannara Be, pictured in 2010, came out of retirement to contest in the 62kg division. Picture: Josie Hayden

Liao is hoping birthday luck will bring him success as he competes on April 5 from 9.30am, but said the competition is pretty steep, particularly from Malaysia, India and Pakistan.

“Within the rankings of about 10 to 15 people, I’m sitting in the middle,” he said.

“I think about it two ways – if everybody had a great day, I’ll probably be in the middle, but if everyone has a terrible day and I have a great day, I may get in the top three.”

Liao said unlike other sports, weightlifters did not receive a lot, if any, government funding to help them excel.

He said many competitors were managing jobs, university studies and families, while striving for the top level.

Tia-Clair Toomey will represent Australia again at the Commonwealth Games after competing in Rio in 2016. Picture: Chai Hin Goh