Weightlifting Fiji celebrated a remarkable achievement as they received three prestigious awards at the Fiji Sports Council (FSC) 2023 sports awards. National coach Henry Elder expressed his pride in the athletes’ hard work and commitment, which contributed to their success both at the awards ceremony and the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship.
Elder acknowledged the crucial support from the government, emphasizing that such assistance has been instrumental in their achievements. However, he highlighted that financial challenges continue to pose obstacles for the federation. He asserted that to compete on an elite level, the athletes require enhanced facilities, advanced equipment, and specialized expertise.
Furthermore, Elder stressed the importance of expanding their medical support system as they aim to nurture talent across various provinces in Fiji. He noted that the Fiji National Sports Commission has positively impacted their outreach efforts, enabling them to identify and recruit promising athletes.
Looking ahead, Elder expressed optimism for Weightlifting Fiji’s performance at the Commonwealth Games in 2026, with preparations already underway. He mentioned the beginning of scouting for potential medal contenders while emphasizing the need to grow the sport’s participation base and improve financial resources.
In recognition of individual accomplishments, Taniela Rainibogi was awarded the FSC 2023 Sportsman of the Year, while Miriama Taletawa took home the Sportswoman of the Year award, and Nehemiah Elder was honored as the young male athlete of the year.
This year’s success is a testament to the dedication of both the athletes and their support system. With a strong focus on development and future competitions, Weightlifting Fiji is on a promising path forward, and it’s inspiring to see the commitment to nurturing talent for upcoming events.
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