Weightlifting Fiji celebrated an impressive year in 2024, marking significant achievements both locally and internationally. The year kicked off with thrilling performances at the Oceania Championships in Auckland, where young athletes Zion Tokona and Nehemiah Elder set multiple new Oceania records. Tokona achieved remarkable feats by lifting a snatch of 130kg, a clean and jerk of 148kg, totaling 278kg, while Elder claimed gold in the Youth Snatch category with a new record of 125kg and equaled the clean and jerk record at 137kg.
Elder continued his stellar performances at the 2024 Online Youth & Junior Championships, winning the overall men’s division, overcoming competitors of varied weight classes, showcasing his exceptional talent at just 14 years old.
The highlight of the year came during the Commonwealth Championships hosted in Fiji, where the national team excelled, earning numerous medals and setting several new records across all divisions. A particularly inspiring story emerged from Taniela Rainibogi, who shattered his own clean and jerk Commonwealth record just four months post-recovery from a serious shoulder injury. His impressive comeback drew praise from Coach Henry Elder, who noted the remarkable nature of Rainibogi’s recovery.
Rainibogi also made history by ranking 16th in his category at the World Championships in Bahrain, becoming the first Fijian male weightlifter to achieve such a ranking. In recognition of their outstanding accomplishments, both Rainibogi and Miriama Taletawa were named Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year at the Fiji Sports Awards, marking the first occasion athletes from the same sport received both honors in a single year.
Looking forward, Coach Elder expressed optimism about 2025, building on the strong foundation established in 2024. Weightlifting Fiji’s achievements this past year underscore the importance of hard work, determination, and unity within the team’s faith and beliefs, guided by the biblical principle of seeking first the Kingdom of God.
Overall, the efforts and triumphs of Weightlifting Fiji in 2024 not only spotlight the athletes’ dedication but also serve as inspiration for aspiring athletes in Fiji and beyond. This journey exemplifies the spirit of resilience and teamwork, promising an even brighter future ahead for the team.
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