Weightlifting Fiji achieved significant success at the 2023 Fiji Sports Awards held at the Vodafone Arena last night, marking a historic moment as they won both the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards for the first time.
Taniela Rainibogi was named Sportsman of the Year, thanks to his remarkable achievements, including performance at the Commonwealth Games and the Oceania Championships. He made history as the first male lifter from Fiji in 70 years to earn a silver medal on a world stage.
Rainibogi’s impressive accolades include three Gold medals at the Pacific Games, a Gold medal at the Commonwealth Championships, and a Silver medal at the World Grand Prix. He also set three Oceania and three Commonwealth Records and was honored as the athlete of the Pacific Games.
The Sportswoman of the Year Award went to 19-year-old Miriama Taletawa, who earned a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Championships and two silver medals at the Oceania Championships held in Samoa last year.
In other categories, Simon Raiwalui, the former coach of the Flying Fijians, was awarded Coach of the Year for leading the team to the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals last year. Additionally, the Flying Fijians were recognized as the Team of the Year for 2023, while Netball Fiji was honored as the Sports Organisation of the Year.