Weightlifting Fiji is celebrating an impressive milestone this year as its athletes have demonstrated exceptional performances in both regional and global competitions, setting the stage for an even more successful season in 2026.
From junior championships to world events that saw representation from over 150 nations, Fiji’s lifters have not only clinched medals but have also shattered records and secured essential qualification spots for significant upcoming Games. Head coach Nehemiah Elder attributes this success to a year marked by dedication, elite training, and the unwavering belief of a small yet passionate weightlifting community.
“Firstly, all thanks to God for our achievements and the 2025 accomplishments. We did quite well. I’m very excited about the performances of our athletes. We started the year with an elite training camp in Samoa, which really set the tone high for us,” Elder stated.
Among the highlights was the Oceania training camp in Apia, where athletes Taniel Rainibongi and Nehemiah Elder were honored as top competitors. This success transitioned smoothly into the Oceania U17 and U20 Championships held in Melbourne, where Fiji’s young athletes excelled by earning multiple medals and breaking Oceania and Commonwealth records in the junior and youth categories. Notably, Nehemiah Elder amassed six gold medals, Zion Tokona secured three golds, and Miriama Taletawa earned three silver medals.
This momentum continued at the World Youth and Junior Championships in Peru, where all four Fijian competitors placed within the top 20 globally. Fiji also shone at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau, returning home with an impressive haul of four gold, three silver, and four bronze medals. Rainibogi’s outstanding performance at the Commonwealth Championships in India marked another significant achievement for the team.
Looking forward, Elder has set a goal for Weightlifting Fiji to target additional qualification spots, with several major competitions scheduled in Samoa, Colombia, Egypt, and China in the upcoming year. This continued commitment to excellence illustrates the potential for greater achievements in the future and underscores the strength of Fiji’s weightlifting community.
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