Nehemiah Elder, an exceptional young weightlifter from Fiji, has once again been named Young Male Athlete of the Year at the 2024 Fiji Sports Awards in Suva, marking his second consecutive recognition. At just 15 years old, Elder expressed profound gratitude for the award, attributing his achievements to relentless hard work and dedication.
In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Elder stated, “Very happy, very relieved and very grateful that I won this award. I’ve come a long way, constantly training, happy to come out on top and congratulations to the other nominees.” With the influence of his father, Henry Elder, who serves as Weightlifting Fiji’s national coach, Nehemiah has rapidly established himself as one of the leading young lifters in the nation.
His impressive accomplishments include a silver medal at the 2023 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships and double gold medals at both junior and youth categories during the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship held in Suva last year. Additionally, he earned the title of Best Youth Male Lifter at the Oceania Championships in Auckland, further cementing his status as one of Fiji’s most promising talents.
Even amidst the accolades, Elder stays committed to his training, gearing up for a busy competition year ahead in 2025. This dedication resonates with the broader accomplishments of Weightlifting Fiji, as the recent successes at the Fiji Sports Awards highlight the athletes’ perseverance and draw attention to the need for increased support for the sport.
Henry Elder, the head coach, underscored the determination and challenges that his athletes face, emphasizing that their achievements could motivate community support. He hopes that ongoing recognition of athletes like Nehemiah will strengthen commitments from local businesses and enhance the competitive landscape for emerging talents.
Nehemiah Elder’s achievements are not just a testament to his potential but also hold promise for the future of weightlifting in Fiji. With aspirations for Olympic participation in the forthcoming games, Elder and his teammates pursue their goals with passion and determination.
His journey serves as an inspiration for young athletes, embodying a spirit of persistence and an unwavering commitment to excellence in sports. As Nehemiah continues to strive for international success, his story illuminates the impact of dedication, family support, and community engagement, fostering a hopeful environment for aspiring athletes.
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