Being the best at all regionally and internationally has been the compass guiding Weightlifting Fiji in its pursuit for greatness, and the same will be applied at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau, when it starts at the end of this month.
This was revealed by head coach Henry Elder, who will travel to Palau with nine lifters to compete against the best the region will have to offer.
“It’s always been a dream for us to be the best in the Pacific first, then in the Oceania and the Commonwealth, and also to rub shoulders and to challenge the world at a global stage,” Elder explained.
He highlighted achievements made by lifters such as Taniela Rainibogi and Nehemiah Elder as examples of this.
“Our target is to be the best that we can and, in the process, if we win medals, good, but we always try to do better than what we’ve done before,” he added.
“Once we’ve finished one competition, we close that chapter, and then we open up another one, and we move on – we always strive to do the best.
“And I tell my athletes all the time, never be satisfied with what you have. You look at it, you appreciate it and be thankful.
“But then move on and set new goals, new targets and new challenges because in this journey here, if you are always satisfied with what you have, you’re never going to progress.”
This has always been the message driven to the lifters and the national coach added they were always reminded to pursue greatness and to cover all the boxes in regard to preparation.
“And then, all things will fall into place,” he said.
The Mini Games start on June 29 and will end on July 9.
