Three Fijian debutants returned from Samoa with international medals after the IBFC Universal Cup, the latest development highlighting emerging depth in Fiji’s weightlifting ranks. Isreal Mario, Atelina Vulakouvaki and Etera Rabaua all stood on podiums in youth and junior divisions, delivering strong lifts on their first major outing for the national team.
Isreal Mario was the standout performer among the trio in the men’s 65kg division. Mario registered a 65kg snatch and a 93kg clean and jerk, lifts that earned him gold in the Oceania youth division and silver in the Oceania junior division. His double-medal haul at his debut underlined a rapid rise through the regional age-group ranks and marks him as a prospect to watch as he transitions to higher levels of competition.
In the women’s 58kg category, Atelina Vulakouvaki secured two bronze medals, adding to Fiji’s medal tally in Samoa. Vulakouvaki posted a 50kg snatch and a 63kg clean and jerk to finish on the podium in the Oceania youth division and also claimed bronze in the Commonwealth junior category. Her results demonstrate competitive strength across both Oceania- and Commonwealth-sanctioned junior events, signalling valuable international experience gained at an early stage of her career.
Etera Rabaua completed the trio’s success in the men’s 71kg class, claiming bronze in the Oceania junior division. Rabaua produced an eye-catching 79kg snatch and followed with a 100kg clean and jerk to secure his place among the region’s top juniors in the category. Like his teammates, Rabaua was competing internationally for the first time, and his podium finish reinforces the depth of Fiji’s junior lifters.
These performances are notable because all three athletes were making their international debuts at the IBFC Universal Cup in Samoa. Their ability to convert that first exposure into medals across youth, junior and Commonwealth junior categories is the latest evidence of progress in Fiji’s weightlifting development pathway. The medals also provide the national programme with fresh competitive data on young lifters’ capabilities under pressure, which selectors and coaches can build on ahead of upcoming regional and age-group championships.
Fiji’s showing in Samoa comes amid a broader focus on nurturing youth talent within Pacific weightlifting. While senior-level stars continue to attract attention, the success of Mario, Vulakouvaki and Rabaua offers a timely reminder that the country’s next generation is beginning to make an impact on the international stage. Their results in Samoa give Fiji momentum as the federation plans athlete preparation for future Oceania and Commonwealth events.