MELISA Sanehi has wasted little time making her presence felt in powerlifting, turning a sport she only took up eight months ago into an opportunity to represent Fiji on the international stage.
The 57kg open competitor enjoyed a successful debut at the 2026 Oceania Regional Powerlifting and Bench Press Championship at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva, collecting four silver medals before finishing her campaign with gold yesterday.
Sanehi claimed silver in the overall powerlifting competition, as well as in the squat, bench press and deadlift disciplines. She then added gold in the separate bench press event on day two, bringing her individual campaign to a satisfying close while the championship continues until Friday.
Having started the sport in March, the achievement was a significant milestone for Sanehi, who said competing internationally had given her a new sense of confidence and motivation.
“I feel really good and proud of myself because this is the year I started doing powerlifting in March,” she said.
“To come onto an international platform has really made me proud and my family proud.”
Although others had previously encouraged her to consider powerlifting, Sanehi admitted she was initially unaware of the opportunities available. However, as she became more familiar with the sport, she began to recognise her potential and committed herself to improving.
That commitment extended beyond the gym, with Sanehi balancing work and training four to five days a week, usually between 3pm and 5pm.
She also acknowledged her coach Vinesh, teammates, friends and family for their encouragement throughout the preparation, describing their support as an important part of her journey.
Beyond the medals, the competition provided valuable lessons about the difference between training and performing under pressure.
Sanehi said there were good and difficult days, but every experience on the international platform would help her develop as an athlete.
With her first championship campaign complete, she is already looking towards next year and hopes to compete again as she continues working on her strength and performance.
Her message to other young women interested in powerlifting was simple.
“I feel like it’s never too late. If you feel like you’re really strong, you can do it. There’s always room to improve, so just go for it,” she said.
