Fifteen-year-old Nehemiah Elder showcased his exceptional talents at the Oceania Weightlifting Institute training camp held in Apia, Samoa, where he earned the title of “best lifter” among both regional athletes from 16 international competitors and 15 Samoan participants. Nehemiah was among three prominent weightlifting figures honored at the camp, including 2023 Fiji Sportsman of the Year Taniela Rainibogi and Daniel Shaw.
Under the guidance of his father, Weightlifting Fiji coach Henry Elder, the camp proved fruitful, with all lifters achieving personal bests (PBs) and two even surpassing their previous records. Henry Elder expressed great satisfaction with their performance, stating, “I’m very, very happy about it, and I’m very encouraged at this stage leading into these competitions that they’re already hitting PBs.”
This latest success builds on Nehemiah’s impressive track record, including recent accolades at the Fiji Sports Awards, where he was named the Vodafone Young Male Athlete of the Year. Nehemiah’s weightlifting journey has seen him compete in several international events, including the 2023 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship in India, where he earned a silver medal.
Nehemiah’s aspirations remain high as he prepares for future competitions, including the upcoming 2024 Commonwealth Championships. His achievements not only spotlight personal milestones but also promote the sport of weightlifting in Fiji, providing inspiration to other young athletes.
With continued dedication and a supportive environment, Nehemiah Elder exemplifies the spirit of determination and excellence in sports, holding a promising future as he aims to represent Fiji at even higher levels on the international stage. His commitment, alongside that of his teammates and coaching staff, paints a hopeful picture for the future of weightlifting in Fiji.
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