IT is an early Christmas for Seinimili Turner.
At the age of 61 where people consider retiring, Turner’s hard work at the gym has earned her three world records in powerlifting.
Known as Fiji’s “Iron Lady”, Turner’s brilliant form in the Oceania and Asian Raw Powerlifting Championships 2014 in Melbourne, Australia last week earned her seven gold medals.
She also set world records in the Masters III 84kilogram+ category — squat record of 140kilogram, bench press record of 95kg and the total lift record of 380.5kg in the event.
“This is the result of hard work and spending most of my time at the gym,” Turner said with a smile.
“Fitness Centre is like my second house. I am so happy. I think it’s a good Christmas for me.”
Ana Garnett, 20, who made her debut in the championship in the junior grade, said Turner’s powerful performance was a morale booster for upcoming powerlifters like her.
“She has been a driving force for us. She has always motivated us and we look forward to learning more from her,” Garnett said.
Turner’s brilliant form was complemented by other members of the team who altogether amassed 29 medals — 12 gold, nine silver and eight bronze medals.
“I think we went beyond achieving medals,” Fiji Powerlifting Federation president and coach Eliesa Irava said.
“But the highlight is Milly’s (Turner) records.
“I think this is the first for the sport and for any other sport in Fiji.”
Irava hopes the powerful performance by the team in Australia would improve the image of the sport in Fiji.
He said they were working on improving their members’ base but lacked the equipment to attract the numbers.
Fiji National Sports Commission which sponsored the team’s trip was impressed with the feat, adding the collaboration of the Government and sports in the country would result in better things in the future.
“This is a great achievement. We are very proud of the team,” commission chairman Peter Mazey said.
“We are not only focused on major sports like rugby, football and netball but minor sports like powerlifting which has potential to win medals for the country.”
Irava said they were aiming to send some powerlifters to the World Powerlifting Championships in mid 2015.
The other members of the team to the championship were Elesi Ikanidrodro, Melania Waqasokonibogi and Maria Chong.
