FIJI weightlifter Taniela Rainibogi knows that his to qualify for the 2024 Olympics, he will need to put in a good performance at the 2023 Pacific Games. That is why the athlete from Cakaudrove has been hitting the gym through the festive season.
The Pacific Games, which will be held in the Solomon Islands in November, will act as a qualifier for the Olympics in Paris and for Rainibogi, this is his one chance to fulfil his dream of competing on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
“Training has been good so far,” the 24-year-old said while training at the National Fitness Centre in Laucala Bay, Suva.
“I’ve been doing a lot of endurance training since late last year and I am very excited for the Pacific Games.”
He said competing at the Olympics has always been a lifelong dream since he started weightlifting years ago on Vanua levu.
“Firstly, I just want to thank my family at home for always supporting me throughout my career as a weightlifter.
“I will do my best to make Fiji proud and achieve my goal of qualifying for the Olympics.”
Rainabogi won a bronze in the 96kg event during the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
