Taniela Rainibogi and Miriama Taletawa have established a high standard in the weightlifting arena, and it is now essential for them, along with other athletes and the sport as a whole, to consistently perform at a top level. Both lifters received top honors at the 2023 Fiji Sports Awards, being named the Fiji Sports Council Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year.
Throughout their 2023 athletic journey, Rainibogi and Taletawa achieved remarkable success, creating new legacies and setting high standards for themselves and fellow competitors. Rainibogi, in particular, enjoyed an outstanding season, winning several local competitions. He secured silver at the Pacific Elite International tournament, gold in the men’s 109kg category at the Commonwealth Championships in India, and made history as the first Fijian male in 70 years to win silver and three bronze medals in the clean and jerk at the IWF Grand Prix in Qatar.
At 24 years old, he was also the flag bearer for Team Fiji at the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands, where he won three gold medals and received the title of overall best athlete. “It’s been a long time coming; I feel happy, and it was good to be recognized. I want to dedicate this achievement to everyone who supported us, my family, and especially my wife and daughter,” Rainibogi stated.
His family has always been a crucial source of support as he strives for greatness in this challenging sport. “My biggest motivation is my family and the young athletes training in weightlifting, as they face numerous challenges. I must work hard to elevate this sport,” he added.
Rainibogi encouraged young athletes, saying, “My message to the young ones is to believe in themselves and be true to who they are.” He was nominated for the award alongside 12 strong contenders from various sports, including archery, basketball, hockey, rugby league, rugby union, special Olympics, squash, swimming, table tennis, and taekwondo.
Looking ahead, Rainibogi will next compete in the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship at the Vodafone Arena later this month.