MORE than 60 students competed in inaugural category as Weightlifting Fiji looks to expand grassroots development
The search for Fiji’s next weightlifting champion could begin in the classroom, with schoolchildren given an opportunity to discover their potential through a new competition introduced at the Fiji Day Weightlifting Championships yesterday.
More than 60 students from four schools competed at the Fitness Centre in Suva, marking the inaugural schools category and opening a new pathway for young lifters to develop their skills and represent Fiji.
National head coach Henry Elder said the initiative was about introducing children to weightlifting and identifying talent before they reached senior level.
“This is a very exciting time we have visited some of the school and watch them training and I’m very excited with the prospects I’ve seen,” Elder said.
Weightlifting Fiji invited 10 schools to the competition, but only Gospel High School, Ballantine Memorial School, Lomary Secondary School and Navosa Central participated.
Elder said the participating schools was invited to attend the International Weightlifting Federation Set 1 Certificate course during the second-term school holidays.
The schools were later provided with weights and training gears for the students to train with.
He also hopes to extend the competition to other parts of the country, particularly Rabi and Kioa islands.
The ambition comes as 14-year-old Rabi Islander Ioane Claude makes his mark on the international stage. Claude made his international debut at the World Youth Championships, finishing 13th in his first international competition.
His achievement highlights the potential of exposing young athletes to the sport early and providing them with opportunities to progress.
Fiji national champion and Commonwealth Games gold medalist Taniela Rainibogi said he wished he had been given the same opportunity during his school years.
“Watching the students training I wish that during my days I could have represented my school here” Rainibogi said.
“This is a good start for weightlifiting Fiji introducing the sport to students and it will grow the sport in Fiji.”
