Weightlifting Fiji head coach Henry Elder emphasizes the importance of instilling strong character in athletes as a foundational step in their development. He believes that weightlifting transcends physical strength; it’s about cultivating mindset, morals, and resilience, which are vital for achieving peak performance.
Elder explains that when athletes are mentally prepared, their training and competition outcomes significantly improve. He highlights essential characteristics that contribute to an athlete’s growth. Referencing a study conducted on the famous New Zealand rugby team, the All Blacks, Elder points out that the key to their success lies in their focus on character development and nurturing good people.
Under Elder’s leadership, Weightlifting Fiji has achieved remarkable success, producing top athletes such as Pacific Games triple gold medalist Taniela Rainibogi, Commonwealth Championship silver medalist Miriama Taletawa, and Oceania Championship gold medalist Mereia Turaganivalu. This commitment to character-building fosters not only athletic skill but also a positive spirit that can inspire future generations in sport.