Seventeen-year-old Suliano Koro Tuiqalau showcased his exceptional skills by winning a gold medal in the youth category and a silver medal in the junior category at the 2024 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship held at Vodafone Arena.
Originating from Wainiyabia Village in Serua, Tuiqalau expressed his gratitude for the chance to compete and represent his country and family on an international platform. Initially unsure about pursuing weightlifting, he developed a keen interest in the sport after being introduced to it at school and training with his peers.
“I may not be the strongest lifter among the boys on the Fiji team, but after winning these medals, I feel truly grateful because I did it for my vanua and for my family,” Tuiqalau stated. He began his weightlifting journey after participating in the cokes last year, finding it a new and exciting challenge.
“The sport was introduced at my school, and they encouraged me to get involved. At first, I didn’t find it appealing, but once I entered the gym and trained with my teammates, I became hooked on the sport,” he added.
Despite encountering various challenges during his intensive training for the championship, including mastering new techniques and enduring demanding sessions, Tuiqalau remained committed to enhancing his skills and performance.
He is now focused on participating in the upcoming Oceania championships and Minigames. Although he is unsure about his future in weightlifting, he is open to the possibilities that may come his way, understanding that time will reveal new opportunities. The Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship concluded yesterday.