Nehemiah Elder, a remarkable 15-year-old weightlifter from Tunuloa in Cakaudrove, is making significant strides in both local and international weightlifting competitions. With five international events already under his belt, including major tournaments such as the 2023 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship in India and the 2024 Oceania Championship in Auckland, his achievements have been nothing short of impressive.
At the recent competitions, Elder not only secured a silver medal in India but also set multiple Oceania Youth records in Auckland, including a remarkable 125 kg in the snatch and 141 kg in the clean and jerk, contributing to a total lift of 262 kg. His outstanding performance earned him the title of Best Male Youth Lifter.
Elder’s success can be attributed to his dedication, strong discipline, and the encouragement of his father, Henry Elder, who is also the head coach of Weightlifting Fiji. Nehemiah describes his father’s early recognition of his talent, as he has been involved in weightlifting since childhood, often accompanying his dad to the gym and exhibiting natural talent.
While his father-coach dynamic has fostered a supportive environment, they are also mindful of the inherent challenges. Coach Elder works to keep Nehemiah grounded, emphasizing the importance of humility and respect for others in the sport. The emotional complexity of their relationship plays a critical role in Nehemiah’s performance, as he finds motivation in both his father’s belief in him and the support from fellow weightlifters who inspire him.
Reflecting on his journey, Elder identifies the 2024 Commonwealth Championship held in Fiji as a standout moment, where the encouragement from his classmates played a crucial role in boosting his confidence. Looking ahead, he has set his sights on the World Youth Championships in 2025, expressing his desire to represent Fiji proudly and glorify God through his achievements.
With Elder ranked among the top 10 youth weightlifters globally, his story serves as an inspiring testament to talent, dedication, and the powerful influence of family and community support. If Nehemiah continues on this path, he surely has a bright future ahead in weightlifting, promising more remarkable feats to come.
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