ERIKA YAMASAKI – 48kg & 53kg, Senior lifter

Born: 2nd September, 1987 - Darwin NT
Lives: Carseldine, Brisbane QLD
Occupation: Casino Finance

Best Lifts: 75kg Snatch, 95kg Clean and Jerk, 168kg Total -   Detailed Statistics

Video Footage:  42.5Kg Snatch, 53.5Kg Clean and Jerk, 57.5Kg Clean and Jerk, 47.5Kg Snatch, 63Kg Clean and Jerk, 70Kg Clean and Jerk, 77.5Kg Clean and Jerk, 62.5Kg Snatch, 70Kg Snatch,  87.5Kg Clean and Jerk

Career Highlights:

- 2007 Commonwealth Silver Medallist
- 2007 Oceania Silver Medallist
- 2007 IWF World Cup Bronze Medallist
- 2007 National
- 2007 World Junior Representative
- 2007 Oceania Junior Champion
- 2007 Arafura Games Silver Medallist
- 2006 World Junior Representative
- 2006 Commonwealth Games Bronze Medallist
- 2005 Commonwealth Games Trials Competitor
- 2005 Commonwealth Championships Bronze Medallist
- 2005 Oceania Silver Medallist
- 2005 Mermet Cup International Gold Medallist
- 2005 World Junior Representative
- 2005 U18, U20 and Open National Champion & Best Lifter
- 2005 Olympic Youth Games Representative & Torch Bearer
- 2004 Youth Commonwealth Games Champion
- 2004 QLD 2000 Overall Winner
- 2004 QWA League Overall Winner
- 2004 World Junior Representative
- 2004 Silver Medallist Junior Oceania Championships
- 2004 National U18, U20 and Open Gold Medallist
- Silver Medallist 2003 Junior Oceania Championships
- 2003 Best Lifter 2003 U16 Championships
- 2002 National U16, U18 and Open silver Medallist
- 2002 QWA League Overall Winner
- 2002 National U20 Gold Medallist
- Currently hold 23 QLD Records
- Currently hold 15 Australian Records

How and Why Did You Start Weightlifting?
Scott Robinson came to my school for a TID testing and I was selected. I did stop but Scott convinced me to have another go, so I did and I loved it.

Best Moment In The Sport?
Winning the bronze medal in the Commonwealth Games and being the first Medallist for Australia!!

Worst Moment In The Sport?
Anytime I have an injury…sets my goals back a bit :(

Person You Most Admire in Weightlifting?
The Kiwi’s from across the ditch, they have such a passion and positive attitude for the sport that I find inspiring.

Favourite  Exercise?
Clean and Jerk 

Least Favourite Exercise?
Pulls, RDL’s 

Favourite Venue To Compete?
On most stages in front of a good crowd, usually makes a good atmosphere!

How many hours do you train per week?
About 23hrs 

Brothers/Sisters, How Many?
John Yamasaki - 1984 

Single/Married?
Single

Favourite Music?
Many different types, but to sum it up…any music with a good beat and music that has meaning! 

Favourite Movie?
Romance/Comedy, Adam Sandler Movies and American Pie Series

Favourite Food ?
Japanese, Mexican, Chinese and Steak

Favourite Book?
I don't read much but there are some really good psychology books! 

Do You Compete In Other Sports?
I used to do Gymnastics and Trampolining. Touch football but just social games.

What Do You Do When Not Training To Relax/Favourite Pastime?
Dance and chill out/relax.