Weightlifting Fiji celebrated an exceptional year in 2024, concluding with remarkable achievements on both local and international platforms, affirming its status as a formidable force in Fijian sports. The year commenced with a bang at the Oceania Championships in Auckland, where young lifters Zion Tokona and Nehemiah Elder broke new horizons by establishing new Oceania records.
Tokona showcased his talent by setting several Oceania Youth records, including a snatch lift of 130kg, a clean and jerk of 148kg, and an impressive total of 278kg. His teammate Elder also made headlines, claiming a gold medal in the Youth Snatch category and setting a new Oceania Youth Snatch record at 125kg, alongside mirroring the Oceania Youth clean and jerk record with a lift of 137kg.
Elder continued to impress by winning the overall men’s division of the 2024 Online Youth & Junior Championships on November 23, triumphing over all Oceania junior and youth competitors aged 13-20 using the Sinclair formula, which adjusts scores across differing weight categories. At just 14 years old, he became the youngest competitor to achieve this feat.
The Commonwealth Championships, held in Fiji, further highlighted the team’s prowess as the national team collected numerous medals and established numerous records across various divisions. A standout moment came from Taniela Rainibogi, who, just four months post a serious shoulder injury, shattered his own Commonwealth clean and jerk record, inspiring many with his remarkable recovery, according to coach Henry Elder.
Rainibogi’s accomplishments continued to shine on the world stage, as he made history by being the first Fijian male weightlifter to achieve a top 20 finish at the World Championships in Bahrain, securing the 16th rank in his category. This achievement added to Fiji’s pride, further emphasized by the recognition of both Rainibogi and Miriama Taletawa as Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year at the Fiji Sports Awards, the first time athletes from the same sport garnered both honors in the same year.
Coach Henry Elder attributed their success to teamwork, support from the federation, government, and partners, while also expressing gratitude for the grace of God. As the team gears up for 2025, he remains optimistic, noting that the foundation laid in 2024 positions them well for future triumphs.
The success of Weightlifting Fiji in 2024 serves as a compelling reminder of the rewards of perseverance, teamwork, and faith. Their commitment to working in alignment with values, as reflected in the guiding Biblical verse Matthew 6:33, showcases their determination to strive for excellence in everything they do.
This past year has not only seen individual achievements but also a collective strengthening of the sport in Fiji, offering hope for continued excellence and growth in the years to come.
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