Fifteen-year-old Mereia Clariss Talei Turaganivalu is making strides in weightlifting, inspired by her mother, Ivy Shaw, an Olympian who represented Fiji in the 2004 Athens Games. Shaw not only has an impressive Olympic background but also secured two bronze medals at the 2007 South Pacific Games and three silver medals at the Oceania Weightlifting Championships held in Apia, Samoa.
Turaganivalu’s journey in the sport began at a tender age of seven, influenced by her mother’s achievements. “I got into this sport because of my mum,” she shared, expressing her admiration for Shaw as her biggest role model. As Turaganivalu matured, her perspective on weightlifting evolved from viewing it as a minor endeavor to understanding its significance in her life.
Balancing her year-10 studies at Gospel High School with her weightlifting aspirations has been challenging. However, she acknowledges the support of her friends and guidance from her mother in navigating these responsibilities. “My mum is really happy because she’s my biggest example and she’s always in my corner,” she said, highlighting the importance of humility and faith, as taught by her mother.
Recently, Turaganivalu participated in the Weightlifting Fiji trials for the upcoming Pacific Mini Games, competing in the 64kg category. Eager to represent her family, country, and school, she expressed her excitement, “It’ll be really special (to be selected for Mini Games). I hope I make the team.”
In her budding athletic career, Turaganivalu has already claimed gold in the youth and silver in the junior 57kg category at the 2024 Oceania Weightlifting Championships in Auckland. She also won bronze at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship last year, marking her as a rising star within the sport. Her ambition to compete in the Olympics demonstrates her determination and potential as she continues to honor her mother’s legacy in weightlifting.
The journey of Mereia Clariss Talei Turaganivalu not only showcases her promising future in athletics but also serves as a testament to the enduring influence of family support in pursuing dreams and succeeding in sports.
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