Weightlifting Fiji has completed an exceptional year in 2024, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the country. The team showcased remarkable achievements both locally and internationally, reaffirming its status as a leading force in Fijian athletics.
The year commenced on a positive note at the Oceania Championships in Auckland, where talented youth lifters Zion Tokona and Nehemiah Elder broke multiple Oceania records. Tokona impressively set new records in the youth category by lifting 130kg in the snatch, 148kg in the clean and jerk, and an overall total of 278kg. Meanwhile, Elder not only won a gold medal in the Youth Snatch category with a record lift of 125kg but also matched the Oceania Youth clean and jerk record by lifting 137kg.
Elder continued to display his talent at the 2024 Online Youth & Junior Championships on November 23, where he dominated the overall men’s division, outperforming competitors from across Oceania in the age range of 13 to 20.
A standout event was the Commonwealth Championships held in Fiji, where the national team excelled, garnering numerous medals and setting several records across youth, junior, and senior divisions. A particularly inspirational moment was provided by Taniela Rainibogi, who, just four months after recovering from a serious shoulder injury, broke his own Commonwealth clean and jerk record. Coach Henry Elder praised his remarkable recovery and performance.
Rainibogi achieved further national significance by ranking 16th in his category at the World Championships in Bahrain, a historic accomplishment as he became the first Fijian male weightlifter to place in the top 20.
At the Fiji Sports Awards, Rainibogi and Miriama Taletawa made history as well, becoming the first athletes from the same sport to be named Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year in the same year—a feat attributed to teamwork and the support from various entities, including the government.
Looking forward, Coach Elder remains optimistic about the future of Weightlifting Fiji, expressing eagerness for 2025 as a year built on the strong foundation established in 2024. The team’s journey reflects the power of disciplined effort, unity, and a deep faith, grounded in their guiding principle from the Bible.
Summary: Weightlifting Fiji has celebrated a triumphant year in 2024, with several standout performances, including world-class records set by young athletes and recognition of its members at national award ceremonies. The team is poised for an even greater year in 2025, emphasizing hard work, collective support, and faith as driving forces behind their achievements.
This positive narrative not only highlights the athletic achievements of Fiji’s weightlifting team but also serves as an inspiration for perseverance and teamwork in sports.
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