National weightlifter Miriama Taletawa was in tears when she was named the 2024 Fiji Airways Sportswoman of the Year at the 2024 Fiji Sports Awards last Saturday at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.

She claimed the same award in last year’s ceremony.

Taletawa was bestowed it for stellar performances in various regional and international competitions, such as her participation in the 2024 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Suva.

She was in disbelief at being presented the award in recognition of her work.

“I’m still surprised, I never thought that it would be the second year for me to be the sportswoman of the year,” Taletawa said.

“It’s a big surprise.”

For the now two-time award recipient, it could not have come at a more opportune time since she is preparing for the Pacific Mini Games in Palau this year.

She dedicated the award to her coach Henry Elder, who has been a key figure of inspiration for young lifters such as herself in helping find their forte within the sport.

“He’s the first one to introduce the sport to me and then he trained me, he took me to competition even in tours overseas, so I want to dedicate this award to him,” she said.

In an earlier interview during the 2024 Fiji Sports Awards Nominees Presentation and Cocktail Reception, Elder expressed optimism for the potential winner.

“No one expected Miriama to win last year so having said that, you never know what can happen this year. It could be somebody else,” Elder said at the time.

Meanwhile, Swire Shipping Fijian Drua winger Selestino Ravutaumada was awarded the Sportsman of the Year Award, sponsored by Fiji Airways.