Fifteen new weightlifters have recently joined Weightlifting Fiji, and head coach Henry Elder is enthusiastic about the potential these athletes bring to the sport. The newcomers participated in the recent trials for the Pacific Mini Games and the Oceania Youth and Junior Championships held at the National Fitness Centre, marking an exciting time for the team.

According to Elder, this influx of talent comes at a time when the organization has seen some athletes depart from the sport. “The exciting part is we have a new group of about 15 lifters who have joined recently, three from Nadi and the rest from Suva,” he shared. Many of the new athletes are from the Banaban community in Suva, which Elder believes offers a strong physical foundation for weightlifting.

In just two weeks of training, these young athletes have already begun to showcase impressive skills. Elder noted the remarkable performance of a 20-year-old lifter who, after only five days of practice, successfully power-cleaned 110kg. “That’s freakish,” Elder remarked, underscoring the significant talent emerging from Fiji.

Elder is set to select approximately five to six women and seven men from the 23 lifters who participated in the trials for the upcoming Mini Games, although some athletes were unable to compete due to injuries.

This development is part of a broader proactive strategy by Weightlifting Fiji, which includes rigorous training schedules and a commitment to nurturing young talent in preparation for upcoming competitions, such as the Pacific Mini Games and the World Youth and Juniors Championships. The optimism within the team is palpable, reflecting a dedication to excellence and a hopeful outlook for the future of weightlifting in Fiji.

Overall, the arrival of these new lifters symbolizes a promising new chapter for Weightlifting Fiji, reinforcing the importance of community engagement in sports development and paving the way for potential accomplishments on the international stage.