Fiji-born powerlifter Varun Vimlesh Lal has etched his name in history at the World Powerlifting Championship in South Africa, held from November 4-9, where he brought home an impressive four medals for Team Australia. Competing in various weight categories, Lal secured 1st place in the 140kg Raw Open Division, 1st place in the 125kg Single Ply Division, 1st place in the 125kg Deadlift only category, and a commendable 2nd place in the 125kg Bench Only Division.
Hailing from a small sugarcane farming community in Ba (Navau), Lal, 27, never envisioned himself achieving such remarkable feats. His journey is a testament to his dedication and hard work, proving that anything is possible with determination. After relocating to Australia and discovering a passion for powerlifting, he made his competitive debut in Chicago last year.
Currently residing in Brisbane, Lal juggles his training with his career in the mechanical field, where he owns an engineering firm, Pasifika Renewables Consultant. He began seriously pursuing powerlifting in mid-2023, initially driven by a long-standing interest in strength training. “I was encouraged by my coach, Big Jack, and teammates at Fortitude Barbell to try equipped lifting, and once I did, I never looked back,” Lal shared.
Leading up to the World Powerlifting Championship, Lal endured rigorous training sessions, often balancing late nights at work with early morning workouts. He qualified for the championship after competing nationally under the CAPO federation, where his total lifts and consistency earned him a spot on Team Australia.
Setting audacious goals for his competition, Lal aimed to win gold in his equipped category and set a new national record—an ambition he proudly realized. “The sacrifices made to reach this point were worth it, and standing on that podium made it all real,” he commented.
Family has been a substantial source of motivation for Lal, particularly his father, who suffered a serious injury the previous year. Every lift was dedicated to him as Lal sought to make his family proud. “My biggest motivation came from my father’s spirit; he’s the reason for my hard work. My coach, Jack, and my partner, Keisha, also pushed me mentally when challenges arose,” he expressed.
For aspiring powerlifters from Fiji, Lal has a message of encouragement: believe in yourselves and commit to your goals. He emphasizes the importance of consistency, humility, and self-belief in achieving one’s full potential.
In dedicating his triumphs, Lal expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family, coach, partner, and everyone back home in Fiji, emphasizing that his journey symbolizes not just personal success, but also the dreams of countless others seeking to overcome similar challenges. His story is one of hope, illustrating how determination and hard work can turn dreams into reality, inspiring future generations to pursue their aspirations regardless of their background.
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