Poama Waqa delivered a remarkable performance at the Pacific Mini Games, dedicating his medals to his family and daughter back home. Competing in the Men’s 71kg weightlifting category, Waqa showcased his strength by securing a silver medal with a successful 126kg lift in the snatch and adding a bronze in the Clean and Jerk with a lift of 150kg. His total lifted weight of 276kg earned him the overall silver medal in his category.
This achievement is particularly inspiring as Waqa made his return to competitive weightlifting after a seven-year hiatus. He stepped away from the sport in 2018 but felt compelled to make a comeback. Reflecting on his journey, he remarked, “For me, from 2018, I had stopped training but all the other athletes continued training. I returned to the sport and was able to achieve this, so nothing is impossible.”
His story resonates with the broader narrative of resilience seen in athletes across Fiji, as highlighted by fellow weightlifting competitor Suliano Koro Tuiqalau, who also found success earlier this year by winning medals at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship. Tuiqalau’s journey began after being introduced to weightlifting in school, showing the transformative power of sports and the strong support network in the Fijian community.
Waqa’s triumphant return not only emphasizes personal determination but serves as a beacon of hope, proving that with dedication and hard work, remarkable comebacks are possible, inspiring many to pursue their dreams regardless of the obstacles faced.
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