Weightlifter Taniela Rainibogi has been named the Fiji Sports Council 2023 Sportsman of the Year, marking a significant milestone in his sporting career. After receiving the award at the Vodafone Arena on Saturday night, the 26-year-old expressed his excitement, stating, “This is the start of something big and is just the beginning.”
Rainibogi earned this prestigious recognition due to his impressive accomplishments over the past year, including his performance at the Commonwealth Games and the Oceania Championships. Notably, he became the first male weightlifter from Fiji in 70 years to win a silver medal at a world competition.
His achievements in the Pacific Games were remarkable, where he secured three gold medals. Additionally, he won gold at the Commonwealth Championships and a silver at the World Grand Prix. Throughout the year, Rainibogi broke three Oceania and three Commonwealth records and was named the top athlete at the Pacific Games.
Miriama Taletawa, a 19-year-old athlete, also earned accolades as the Sportswoman of the Year for her performance, which included a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Championships and two silver medals at the Oceania Championships held in Samoa.
“I feel so happy,” Rainibogi commented on receiving the award. “I can’t express what it means but I am so happy to receive it.” He expressed gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout his journey, highlighting the challenges he faced as weightlifting is not widely recognized in Fiji.
Reflecting on his path, Rainibogi mentioned, “I would walk from Nakasi to the gym, it was a struggle but I never gave up. I kept on believing in working hard to inspire young people.” He also emphasized the potential of young weightlifting talents in Fiji, expressing optimism for the future of the sport.