“This is my last chance to qualify for the Olympics.” These are the words of Team Fiji Weightlifter and Pacific Games triple gold medallist Taniela Rainibogi as he prepares for the upcoming IWF World Championships in Thailand later this month.
“Just thinking about it makes me quite nervous, but I have been working hard over these past few months and I’m looking forward to the IWF World Championships,” Rainibogi said.
He competed in the IWF Grand Prix competition in Qatar in December, where he managed to bag a silver medal in the men’s 109-kilogram division.
“Since that tournament, I’ve been focused on training full-time because I don’t have much time before the IWF Championships starts.”
Rainibogi was named the Best Male Athlete at the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands where he bagged three gold medals.
“Training hasn’t been easy, there have been a few challenges for me but I’m lucky to have a great support system from my coach and my family who have been there for me from day one.”
Looking ahead to the IWF Championships, Rainibogi will have to lift a total of 392 kg to be able to qualify for the Olympics.
His current personal best is 380kg, 12 kilograms away from making his dream of competing at the Olympics a reality.
The championship will be held from April 1-11 at Phuket in Thailand.
