International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) world youth champion Nehemiah Elder has become a highly sought-after athlete after making history at the 2025 IWF World Youth Championships in Lima, Peru. The 16-year-old achieved an extraordinary feat by winning three gold medals in the men’s 89kg youth division, showcasing his remarkable skills by lifting an impressive 152kg in the snatch and 180kg in the clean and jerk, achieving a total of 332kg.
Nehemiah’s accomplishments have led to interest from several Arab countries, offering him incentives to switch his allegiance. This was confirmed by his father and head coach, Henry Elder, who emphasized the significance of his son’s performance, stating, “His achievement supersedes all individual sports in Fiji.”
Prior to this, Nehemiah had already made waves in the sport with his outstanding performance in the 2025 Under-20 Oceania Weightlifting Championships, where he captured two gold medals and set six championship records. His progressive development has drawn the attention of weightlifting officials, further inspiring a new generation of aspiring athletes in Fiji.
Despite the tempting offers, both Nehemiah and his father remain committed to representing Fiji, which they view as a source of pride. Coach Elder outlined their aspirations for the upcoming Palau Mini Games, expressing confidence that Nehemiah can replicate his gold medal success. “If it is God’s will, he should come back with three gold medals,” Henry stated, highlighting Nehemiah’s recent conditioning success with a notable 210kg front squat during training.
Nehemiah currently holds the title of the number one ranked weightlifter in the Pacific in the 88kg category, showing promise for future competitions. Alongside him, nine other Fijian athletes have been selected to compete, all of whom are seen as medal contenders.
As Nehemiah prepares for the upcoming games, his youthful enthusiasm resonates with hope and determination. His journey embodies the spirit of resilience and commitment, serving as a beacon of inspiration for many young athletes in Fiji and beyond.
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