Weightlifting Fiji is experiencing an exceptional year, marked by outstanding performances by its athletes across various regional and international competitions, paving the way for an even more promising season in 2026. From junior championships to significant global events with participation from over 150 countries, Fiji’s weightlifting contingent has not only secured multiple medals but has also broken records and achieved direct qualification for major competitions.
Head Coach Nehemiah Elder credits this success to a year characterized by unwavering dedication, thorough preparation, and the strong belief of a passionate weightlifting community. “Firstly, all thanks to God for our achievements and the 2025 accomplishments. We did quite well. I’m very excited about the performances of our athletes. We started the year with an elite training camp in Samoa, which set a high tone for us,” he remarked.
Elder highlighted the impressive results stemming from the Oceania training camp in Apia, where athletes like Taniel Rainibongi and Nehemiah Elder showcased their talents among the top competitors. This success continued at the Oceania U17 and U20 Championships in Melbourne, where Fiji’s team claimed multiple medals, shattered Oceania and Commonwealth records in both junior and youth categories. Notably, Nehemiah Elder earned six gold medals, while Zion Tokona and Miriama Taletawa added to the tally with three gold and three silver medals, respectively.
The success of Fijian athletes carried forward to the World Youth and Junior Championships in Peru, where all four participants finished within the top 20 globally. Further solidifying its prowess, Fiji excelled at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau, returning with an impressive haul of four gold, three silver, and four bronze medals. Additionally, Rainibongi delivered an extraordinary performance at the Commonwealth Championships in India, demonstrating the promising potential of Fijian athletes on a broader platform.
Looking ahead, Elder expressed a hopeful outlook for continued success, with major events set to take place in Samoa, Colombia, Egypt, and China in the coming year. As Weightlifting Fiji aims for more qualification opportunities, the achievements of its athletes not only celebrate their current triumphs but also signify a bright future for weightlifting within the country. The foundation laid by this year’s accomplishments provides an optimistic view of what lies ahead for Fiji’s weightlifting community.