Nehemiah Elder made history for Fiji at the 2025 under-20 Oceania Weightlifting Championships in Melbourne after winning two gold medals and smashing six championship records.
The 16-year-old lifted in the 88 kilograms Youth and Junior categories, setting new records in the snatch, clean and jerk and total lifts in both divisions under the Oceania Weightlifting Federation.
Elder’s remarkable performance was expected, according to Weightlifting Fiji head coach Henry Elder.
“We were confident going into the competition because we follow most of the athletes online,” he said.
“We study their performances and training. We expected Nehemiah to do well. He trains like every session is a competition. But Tomasi Saukuru surprised us.”
Saukuru won gold in the Junior 110kg category, while Zion Tokona bagged silver in the highly competitive Junior 98kg division.
Coach Elder, who is also Nehemiah’s father said the teen’s mindset had matured a lot over the past year.
“He has this belief that God is guiding him and that gives him confidence,” he said.
“There are days he wants to go all out in training, lifting competition weights, but I have to tone him down and help him follow the program.”
Nehemiah, who has won Fiji’s Young Male Athlete of the Year award twice, said he keeps his focus on God.
“I understand that God has got my back, and God is leading me, so I have to put my trust in Him,” he said.
Nine Fijian lifters competed at the championship, with Fiji making a strong statement on the Oceania stage.
