Weightlifting Fiji has celebrated an outstanding 2024, marking a year of remarkable achievements both on the local front and international stage, reinforcing its status as a leader in Fijian sports. The year began on a high note at the Oceania Championships held in Auckland, where young athletes Zion Tokona and Nehemiah Elder made headlines by establishing new Oceania records.
Tokona’s performance was particularly impressive, as he set new Oceania Youth records in snatch, clean and jerk, and total categories, lifting 130kg in snatch, 148kg in clean and jerk, and achieving a total of 278kg. Meanwhile, Elder secured a gold medal in the Youth Snatch category, breaking the Oceania Youth Snatch record at 125kg, while also tying the Oceania Youth clean and jerk record with an impressive lift of 137kg.
Elder continued to shine at the 2024 Online Youth & Junior Championships, where he won the overall men’s division, proving his mettle by surpassing all competitors from Oceania in the junior and youth categories.
The Commonwealth Championships, which took place in Fiji, proved to be a highlight of the year as the national team excelled, garnering numerous medals and breaking records across various categories. A remarkable story emerged from Taniela Rainibogi, who, just four months post a significant shoulder injury, shattered his own Commonwealth clean and jerk record, showcasing an inspiring recovery.
At the World Championships in Bahrain, Rainibogi became the first Fijian male weightlifter to break into the top 20, finishing 16th in his category, a milestone viewed as a huge accomplishment for Fiji.
Additionally, Rainibogi and fellow athlete Miriama Taletawa were honored as Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year at the Fiji Sports Awards, marking the first time in history that athletes from the same sport received both accolades in the same year.
Coach Henry Elder attributed their success to teamwork and support from the federation, government, and partners, expressing optimism for the future. “We are looking forward to a grand year in 2025, having laid a solid foundation in 2024,” he noted. The team’s achievements underscore the virtues of dedication, unity, and faith, centered around the biblical verse Matthew 6:33.
The success of Weightlifting Fiji in 2024 not only highlights the talent and hard work of its athletes but also sets a positive trajectory for the future, inspiring many young sports enthusiasts and showcasing the power of perseverance and aspiration in sports.
In summary, Weightlifting Fiji’s accomplishments this year serve as a beacon of hope and motivation for the sports community in Fiji, demonstrating that with dedication and support, great achievements can be realized.
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