Tapering will be a key area to look out for Team Fiji’s weightlifters as the Pacific Mini Games in Palau approaches.
This is the word from head coach Henry Elder, who says its something to consider for the lifters flying the noble banner blue in Koror, where the Mini Games will be held.
“Tapering is very important. How you taper the athletes and prepare them to hit their peak at the right time,” Elder explained.
Tapering in weightlifting is the concept of reducing the volume and intensity of training at a strategic level in the weeks leading up to a competition to optimise performance.
Doing so allows lifters to recover from heavy training, eliminate fatigue and heighten their level of strength, power and speed on competition day.
With this in mind, Elder added the lifters the level of preparation they put in would show itself when they stepped onto the podium.
“Our competition is tough, but we’ve prepared very well. We know our numbers, we know what we can achieve but it’s on the day,” he emphasised.
“It’s how you perform on a day, composure and us as management and in the back room, in the warmup area and the few days leading up to it.
“Weightlifting is one sport that is always tough in the Pacific. We have world champions in the Pacific; in the juniors and the youths and seniors too.
“For us it’s never easy, it’s very, very tough for us.”
There are nine lifters and four officials for weightlifting travelling with Team Fiji for the Mini Games.
Team Fiji’s weightlifters: Mereia Turaganivalu, Chrystalle Elizabeth Kai, Miriama Taletawa, Poama Qaqa, Daniel Zackariah Anthony Shaw, Nehemiah Elder, Zion Tokona, Taniela Rainibogi, Setareki Matau.
Officials: Team manager – Ratu Orisi Sanadali, assistant team manager – Cema Loma, head coach – Henry Elder, assistant coach – Eremasi Qalibau, strength and conditioning coach – Timothy Vakuruivalu.
