Nehemiah Elder has etched his name in history for Fiji at the 2025 Under-20 Oceania Weightlifting Championships held in Melbourne, where the talented 16-year-old captured two gold medals and eclipsed six championship records. Competing in both the Youth and Junior categories in the 88 kilograms division, Elder achieved outstanding lifts in the snatch, clean and jerk, and total weight categories, as certified by the Oceania Weightlifting Federation.
Henry Elder, Nehemiah’s father and head coach of Weightlifting Fiji, expressed confidence in his son’s abilities prior to the competition. “We were confident going into the competition because we follow most of the athletes online. We study their performances and training. We expected Nehemiah to do well,” he said. He noted that while Nehemiah trained rigorously, aiming to consistently push beyond his limits, he often has to remind him to stick to a structured training regimen.
Remarkably, Elder’s mindset has developed significantly over the past year, attributing his confidence to a strong belief that he is guided by divine support. “I understand that God has got my back, and God is leading me, so I have to put my trust in Him,” he stated.
Nine athletes from Fiji competed at the championships, marking a significant moment for the nation on the Oceania platform. In addition to Nehemiah’s achievements, Tomasi Saukuru won gold in the Junior 110 kg category while Zion Tokona secured a silver in the highly competitive Junior 98 kg division, further emphasizing Fiji’s prowess in youth weightlifting.
The impressive performances not only spotlight Elder’s individual talent but also represent the strength of Fiji’s youth weightlifting program. The achievements of these young athletes serve as an inspiration, illustrating the potential for success when combined with hard work, discipline, and community support. As Nehemiah looks forward to future competitions, including the World Youth Championships in 2025, there is a hopeful outlook for the future of weightlifting in Fiji, showing that dedication and faith can lead to significant accomplishments.
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