FOR weightlifter Apakuki Tabuawaiwai, a sport he never imagined pursuing has now taken him to the biggest stage of his career.
The 24-year-old weightlifter will represent Fiji at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, which starts next Thursday.
His journey into the sport began unexpectedly after coach Henry Elder identified his potential while training at the gym.
Tabuawaiwai said weightlifting was never part of his sporting dreams, but he decided to take up the opportunity to pursue it when it was presented to him.
“To be honest, I never dreamt of being in this sport. The sport was introduced to me, so I gave it a shot, and now here I am,” Tabuawaiwai said.
After being encouraged by Elder to pursue weightlifting, Tabuawaiwai made his first international appearance at the Pacific Mini Games in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands in 2022, setting him on a pathway that has seen him compete at several major events.
The 24-year-old has since represented Fiji at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in India and the Oceania Weightlifting Championships, gaining valuable experience against some of the regions and the Commonwealth’s top lifters.
For the Naitasiri native, representing Fiji through weightlifting holds special meaning as he continues to showcase the country’s talent beyond its traditional sporting strengths.
“It really means a lot to me. I was emotional and I couldn’t believe that I could make it to this stage.”
As he prepares for Glasgow, Tabuawaiwai has set his sights on achieving a personal best and delivering a performance that will make his country and family proud.
“My goals that I have set up are just to make a new PB (personal best) and make my family and my country proud.”
He credited the support of his family and coach for helping him reach this stage, saying their encouragement has been an important part of his journey.
