Weightlifting Fiji celebrated a successful night at the 2023 Fiji Sports Awards, winning three prestigious awards on Saturday. Head coach Henry Elder expressed his hope that this recognition would attract the necessary support for the sport.
The awards for Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year were awarded to weightlifters Taniela Rainibogi and Miriama Taletawa, while promising young athlete Nehemiah Elder was honored as the Young Male Athlete of the Year.
Henry Elder, the national coach, was filled with joy as he cheered for his athletes during the ceremony. “Weightlifting Fiji stands firm in its belief that it is through God that we have achieved our success. My athletes have worked incredibly hard; their struggles are often hidden, but I am grateful for the recognition they received,” he stated.
He highlighted the challenges faced by lifters, noting that many of them were reluctant to share their hardships. For instance, Taniela Rainibogi would travel on foot from Nakasi to Suva for training, a journey he often repeated multiple times a day while also seeking work to support his family. Elder only learned of Taniela’s rigorous travel schedule after another athlete revealed it, which deeply affected him.
Elder hopes that the achievements of his athletes will inspire local businesses to provide support for the sport. “I hope our success helps to showcase Fiji on the international stage. In the last three Commonwealth Games, weightlifting has consistently won medals, raising our profile,” he said.
Looking ahead, Elder expressed a strong desire to secure medals at the upcoming Olympic Games in 2028 and 2032, targeting a goal of four to six medals in 2032. “We are working tirelessly, and with the little support we currently have, we believe we can achieve our ambitions,” he affirmed.
Musician Apakuki Nalawa is among those extending support to the sport, providing nutritional assistance, alongside several local businesses striving to create a more competitive environment for weightlifters.