THE bar has been set high by Fiji’s powerlifters, but the heaviest challenges are still waiting as the 2026 Oceania Regional Powerlifting and Bench Press Championships (ORPC) head into their final two days at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva.
With 51 medals, including 26 gold, already secured by the end of day two, Fiji has given its home supporters plenty to celebrate while putting its regional rivals under pressure.
Yet, according to Fiji Powerlifting Federation (FPF) president Ryan Bale, the best may still be ahead, with the competition’s strongest lifters preparing to make their appearance on the platform.
Bale said the performances over the opening days had exceeded expectations, with Fiji’s lifters producing results that had placed the host nation at the top of the standings.
“Our Fiji Powerlifting lifters have done tremendous work over the last few days. They finished up at the end of day two with 26 golds, leading the other countries,” Bale said.
Behind every successful lift, he said, was also the encouragement coming from the stands, where families and supporters had gathered to cheer on their athletes.
“A lot of their family and our supporters have come through to really give them that extra push,” he said.
But for Bale, the championships are about more than adding medals to Fiji’s collection.
The presence of international referees, officials and technical personnel has given local lifters an opportunity to experience the standards expected at major competitions, while helping Fiji’s officials strengthen their knowledge of the sport.
“I think the biggest thing is the experience,” he said.
He said hosting the championships had also removed some of the financial pressures associated with travelling overseas, allowing local athletes and officials to gain valuable regional exposure without leaving home.
Bale also acknowledged the impressive strength of the visiting competitors, singling out Team Wanageti, an alternative or colloquial moniker commonly associated with the national powerlifting squad representing Team Fiji and a reported 305.5kg squat attempt as one of the notable displays at the championships.
As the competition moves towards Friday’s conclusion, attention now turns to the heavyweight categories, where some of the biggest performances are expected.
Bale believes the coming two days will provide spectators with plenty of reasons to head to the gymnasium and has called on the public to get behind the home lifters.
“Thursday (today) and Friday are the most exciting days. We have our heaviest lifters coming in, so please come out and show your support,” he said.
