Keep your feet on the ground and never regard yourself as somebody greater than anybody else has been the word of advice told to young lifter Nehemiah Elder by his father and Weightlifting Fiji head coach Henry Elder.
These sentiments were shared by Elder ahead of the Pacific Mini Games in Palau, which starts on June 29.
The younger Elder has had a stellar year of achievements so far, recently scooping three gold medals at the 2025 IWF World Youth Championships in Lima, Peru last month.
Speaking on how he was faring in his preparations for the Mini Games, the senior Elder said it was progressing well.
“It’s been very good, very, very good. He surprised us with some lifting he’s done over the last few weeks and even yesterday (Tuesday),” Elder shared.
“I mean, he did a front squat of 210 kg and today (Wednesday) he did another one, so it’s very encouraging to see how he’s come along.”
With a firm reminder of maintaining humility in the midst of attaining note-worthy success imparted to Nehemiah, he also highlighted the spiritual essence present within it.
“You always have to understand that every single person is a creation of God, and God regards us as equals,” he emphasised.
“And we must always regard everyone else as an equal and respect everybody.”
This message has also been imparted to other lifters as well.
“While we achieve, we must remember to keep our feet on the ground, respect, love and treasure everybody and everybody’s journey.
“Everybody is unique in their own ways.”
It will be Elder’s first appearanceat the Games.
