Weightlifting Fiji marked 2024 as an incredible year, showcasing an impressive array of accomplishments both locally and internationally. The team has firmly established itself as a significant player in the Fijian sports scene.
The year kicked off triumphantly at the Oceania Championships held in Auckland, where young lifters Zion Tokona and Nehemiah Elder set new Oceania records. Tokona achieved remarkable feats by setting new records in the snatch, clean and jerk, and total categories, with lifts of 130kg, 148kg, and a total of 278kg, respectively. Elder, on the other hand, won a gold medal in the Youth Snatch category with a new record of 125kg and matched the Oceania Youth clean and jerk record at 137kg. He continued this success at the 2024 Online Youth & Junior Championships by securing the overall men’s title against competitors aged 13-20 using the Sinclair formula.
The Commonwealth Championships, hosted in Fiji, was a standout event, as the national team earned numerous medals across various divisions, with Taniela Rainibogi becoming a highlight. He broke his own Commonwealth clean and jerk record just four months post-recovery from a serious shoulder injury, an inspiring comeback noted by his coach, Henry Elder. Rainibogi also made history at the World Championships in Bahrain, finishing as the first Fijian male weightlifter in the top 20, ranking 16th in his category.
Additionally, at the Fiji Sports Awards, both Rainibogi and Miriama Taletawa were recognized as Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year, marking a historic moment as it’s the first time athletes from the same sport have claimed both titles in the same year. Coach Elder emphasized the collective effort and support from their federation, government, and partners for such achievements.
Looking to the future, Elder is enthusiastic about the prospects for 2025, believing that the groundwork laid in 2024 will pave the way for even greater success. The accomplishments of Weightlifting Fiji underscore the power of dedication, teamwork, and faith, with the team’s mission intertwined with a biblical guiding principle.
This remarkable journey not only brings pride to Fiji but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, proving that with hard work and unity, great things can be achieved.
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