Weightlifting Fiji is celebrating a remarkable year following impressive performances by its athletes in both regional and global competitions, setting the stage for an even more successful season in 2026. Competing from junior championships to significant global events featuring over 150 countries, Fiji’s weightlifters achieved not only multiple medal wins but also broke records and secured direct qualification spots for major Games.
Head coach Nehemiah Elder attributes this success to a year filled with dedication, elite preparation, and the unwavering belief of a small yet committed 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 said.
Elder emphasized the outstanding results from the Oceania training camp in Apia, where athletes Taniel Rainibongi and Nehemiah Elder distinguished themselves among the best. This success continued in the Oceania U17 and U20 Championships held in Melbourne, where Fiji’s team captured multiple medals, including the breaking of Oceania and Commonwealth records in both junior and youth categories. Notably, Nehemiah Elder won six gold medals, with Zion Tokona claiming three gold and Miriama Taletawa securing three silver medals.
The momentum persisted as Fijian athletes competed in the World Youth and Junior Championships in Peru, where all four participants finished in the top 20 globally. Fiji further solidified its standing at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau, bringing home four gold, three silver, and four bronze medals. Rainibongi also delivered a standout performance at the Commonwealth Championships in India, showcasing the potential of Fijian athletes on a larger stage.
Looking toward the future, Elder expressed optimism for continued success, with upcoming major events scheduled in Samoa, Colombia, Egypt, and China next year, as Weightlifting Fiji pursues additional qualification opportunities. The achievements of Fiji’s weightlifters not only highlight their current success but also indicate a bright future for the sport in the nation.