Weightlifting Fiji head coach Henry Elder emphasizes that cultivating character is a foundational step in developing athletes into elite lifters. He believes that success in weightlifting transcends mere physical strength, highlighting the significance of character, mindset, and morals in an athlete’s overall growth.
Elder explains that when athletes enter the right mental space, their performance improves remarkably in both training sessions and competitive events. He notes the importance of certain traits for an athlete’s development, referencing a study on the famed All Blacks rugby team. This research demonstrates that fostering character and good values is vital to producing well-rounded individuals.
Under Elder’s leadership, Weightlifting Fiji has achieved notable success, producing some of the best lifters in the region. Athletes such as Pacific Games triple gold medalist Taniela Rainibogi, Commonwealth Championship silver medalist Miriama Taletawa, and Oceania Championship gold medalist Mereia Turaganivalu have emerged as top competitors, showcasing the effectiveness of Elder’s character-building approach in conjunction with athletic training.
This holistic view of athlete development presents a promising outlook for the future of weightlifting in Fiji, as it nurtures not only skilled competitors but also well-rounded people. By prioritizing character alongside physical ability, Elder and his team are creating a bright future for the sport in the region.
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