Weightlifting Fiji concluded 2024 on a high note, celebrating a year marked by impressive achievements both locally and internationally. The team has firmly established itself as a significant player in Fijian sports, reflecting the dedication and hard work of its athletes.
The year began with a bang at the Oceania Championships held in Auckland, where standout youth lifters Zion Tokona and Nehemiah Elder shattered records. Tokona set new Oceania Youth records across all categories with lifts that included a snatch of 130kg, a clean and jerk of 148kg, and an overall total of 278kg. Likewise, Elder not only secured a gold medal in the Youth Snatch category with a new record of 125kg but also matched the Oceania Youth clean and jerk record with a lift of 137kg.
Later in November, Elder made headlines again by triumphing in the overall men’s division at the 2024 Online Youth & Junior Championships, defeating all competitors in the Oceania region, a testament to his exceptional talent at just 14 years old.
The highlight of the year was undoubtedly the Commonwealth Championships hosted in Fiji, where the national team excelled, achieving numerous medals and breaking records in various divisions. Taniela Rainibogi emerged as a key athlete, remarkably breaking his own clean and jerk record merely four months after suffering a significant shoulder injury. His comeback was celebrated as an inspiring achievement by his coach, Henry Elder. Rainibogi further distinguished himself at the World Championships in Bahrain, ranking 16th in his category—making him the first male Fijian weightlifter to achieve such a feat.
At the Fiji Sports Awards, both Rainibogi and Miriama Taletawa were honored as Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year, marking an unprecedented moment in Fiji’s sports history where athletes from the same sport received both accolades in the same year. Coach Elder attributed their success to teamwork and the unwavering support of their federation and government.
Looking forward, Elder expressed optimism for 2025, believing that the successes of 2024 have laid a solid foundation for future endeavors. The achievements of Weightlifting Fiji highlight the power of hard work, unity, and faith, which the organization centers around the biblical verse Matthew 6:33.
This inspiring journey not only represents the potential of Fijian athletes but also showcases the importance of resilience, teamwork, and community support in achieving greatness. As they proceed into the next year, Weightlifting Fiji stands poised for even greater accomplishments, proving that with determination and faith, challenges can be overcome and new heights can be reached.
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