Nehemiah Elder, a remarkable young weightlifter, has achieved the title of Young Male Athlete of the Year for the second consecutive year at the 2024 Fiji Sports Awards, held recently in Suva. At just 15 years old, Elder expressed his gratitude for the recognition, attributing his success to hard work and dedication.
In his acceptance speech, he shared, “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.” Elder, who is the son of Weightlifting Fiji’s national coach, Henry Elder, has quickly become one of the country’s top lifters.
Elder’s accolades include a silver medal at the 2023 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, as well as double gold wins in the junior and youth categories at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship held in Suva last year. He was also named the Best Youth Male Lifter at the Oceania Championships in Auckland, solidifying his reputation as one of Fiji’s brightest emerging talents.
Despite the celebrations, Elder remains focused on training, with an intense schedule as they prepare for the busy competition year ahead in 2025. This dedication is mirrored in the broader context of Weightlifting Fiji, whose recent success at the Fiji Sports Awards reflects the athletes’ hard work and resilience, drawing attention to the need for further support for the sport.
Head coach Henry Elder highlighted the determination and struggles his athletes face, emphasizing that their successes could inspire community support. He hopes that continued recognition will foster a greater commitment from local businesses, enhancing the competitive environment for these young athletes.
Nehemiah Elder’s achievements not only showcase his potential but also represent hope for Fiji’s future in weightlifting. With aspirations of Olympic inclusion in upcoming games, Elder and his teammates strive towards their goals with enthusiasm and spirit. His journey serves as an inspiration for young athletes, embodying persistence and a commitment to excellence in sports.
As Nehemiah continues to pursue international success, his story exemplifies how dedication, family support, and community encouragement can lead to remarkable achievements, lighting a hopeful path for aspiring athletes.
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