A Kiribati sporting idol David Katoatau has called for global attention to the climate change impacting on his home country and other parts of the Pacific.
In an article published in New Caledonia where he's training at the Oceania Weightlifting Institute, Mr Katoatau has expressed his frustration that he cannot do anything to help Kiribati cope with sea level rise.
The president of the Kiribati National Olympic Committee, David Collins, has praised the weightlifter's effort.
He says he is happy Mr Katoatau took the time while training to focus on an issue of great importance to Kiribati.
He says he hopes other sports people around the world make similar gestures.
Commonwealth gold medalist David Katoatau flies the Kiribati flag. Photo: AFP