WEIGHTLIFTING Fiji has had a remarkable year with its athletes delivering exceptional performances in regional and world competitions, setting the stage for an even more successful 2026 season.
Led by head coach Henry Elder, the weightlifters have achieved great success through hard work, dedication, and a strong sense of community.
The year began with an elite training camp in Samoa, where the team laid the foundation for their successful season.
“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,” said Elder.
“We started the year with an elite training camp in Samoa and that really set the tone high for us.”
Elder highlighted standout results from the Oceania training camp in Apia, where Taniela Rainibongi and Nehemiah Elder were recognised among the top athletes, before the team went on to shine at the Oceania under-17 and U20 Championships in Melbourne.
“We came away from that competition winning multiple medals and also breaking Oceania and Commonwealth records in the junior and youth categories, Nehemiah won six gold medals, Zion Tokona won three gold, and Miriama Taletawa secured three silver medals.”
The success continued at the World Youth and Junior Championships in Peru, where all four Fijian athletes finished within the top 20 in the world.
Fiji also impressed at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau, collecting four gold, three silver and four bronze medals, before Rainibogi produced a breakthrough performance at the Commonwealth Championships in India.
Looking ahead to 2026, Weightlifting Fiji is aiming to secure more qualification spots with major events scheduled in Samoa, Colombia, Egypt, and China.
