Aussie weightlifter going for fourth Games

Dec 18, 2017 - 7:14 AM There are a lot of demands competing for attention in Damon Kelly's life right now.

But the Australian weightlifting veteran is hoping the prospect of a fourth medal at a fourth Commonwealth Games is enough to maintain focus - even under the strain of full-time work and helping to raise three kids.

Kelly is on track for a Gold Coast berth in April after putting a combined 360kg total on the board in the 105kg and over division at Sunday's Commonwealth Games trials.

The performance ensured the 34-year-old topped his weight category for the year, making him a shoo-in for nomination by the Australian Weightlifting Federation.

It would give him a chance to add to the silver, gold and bronze medals he won at the Melbourne 2006, Delhi 2010 and Glasgow 2014 Games respectively.

"I've got one of each and would love to win another," Kelly told AAP.

"There's a bit of competition in the Commonwealth now, some young super heavyweights are coming up so I'll have my work cut out.

"I'd love to be competitive and a shot for a medal ... or even pull off a (Steven) Bradbury-type win."

Last year, Kelly fell cruelly short of making the cut for a third Olympics in Rio.

This year, his third son arrived and he returned to full-time construction work in Brisbane, squeezing in training wherever he can.

By his own admission, it's been tough - and that's before considering the Games competition.

Samoa, Pakistan and New Zealand are currently the top three in the Commonwealth within his weight class.

Kelly rates himself as fourth or fifth, but sees no reason the natural order can't be disrupted in front of a home crowd.

"I know the pressure of the Games, what it can do to people, so I just have to make sure I'm there and competitive," he said.

"If I'm within 10kg that's a good striking distance for me.

"With the adrenaline on the day and friends and family there it's going to be awesome."

Source: AAP