Weightlifting Fiji achieved significant recognition at the 2023 Fiji Sports Awards, held at the Vodafone Arena last night. For the first time, the organization won both the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards.
Taniela Rainibogi claimed the Sportsman of the Year title due to his exceptional performances in 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 at the world level. Throughout the year, Rainibogi secured three gold medals at the Pacific Games, gold at the Commonwealth Championships, and a silver at the World Grand Prix. He also set three Oceania and three Commonwealth records and was honored as the outstanding athlete at the Pacific Games.
The Sportswoman of the Year Award went to 19-year-old Miriama Taletawa, who distinguished herself by winning a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Championships and two silver medals at the Oceania Championships held in Samoa last year.
In other honors, the Coach of the Year Award was presented to former Flying Fijians coach Simon Raiwalui for his leadership in steering the team to the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals last year. The Flying Fijians also won the Team of the Year Award, while Netball Fiji was acknowledged as the Sports Organisation of the Year for 2023.