Weightlifting Fiji achieved significant recognition at the 2023 Fiji Sports Awards, which took place at the Vodafone Arena last night. For the first time in the event’s history, Weightlifting Fiji won both the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards.
Taniela Rainibogi was honored as the Sportsman of the Year due to his exceptional performances at the Commonwealth Games and the Oceania Championships. He made history as the first male lifter from Fiji in 70 years to secure a silver medal at the world level. Rainibogi’s accolades include three gold medals at the Pacific Games, a gold at the Commonwealth Championships, and a silver at a World Grand Prix. He also set three Oceania and three Commonwealth records and was named the athlete of the Pacific Games.
On the women’s side, 19-year-old Miriama Taletawa received the Sportswoman of the Year Award after winning a bronze at the Commonwealth Championships and two silvers at the Oceania Championships in Samoa last year.
Additionally, 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. The Flying Fijians also received the Team of the Year Award for 2023, while Netball Fiji was recognized as the 2023 Sports Organisation of the Year.