The journey of Susana Qionibaravi, Fiji’s only female representative in the upcoming Oceania Regional Powerlifting Championship, highlights the empowering potential of sports. Qionibaravi, a mother of two from Nasau in Lomaiviti, took up powerlifting only nine months ago and is now ready to make her international debut.
At the age of 36, she embraces her position as a trailblazer in a sport traditionally dominated by younger athletes. “I’d really like to call on more girls and women, especially mothers,” she said, emphasizing how her entry into powerlifting has transformed her life. In these nine months, she has not only advanced her own skills but also set an inspiring example for aspiring female athletes.
Her enthusiasm is infectious; she encourages women to “step into the unknown” and discover the joys of strength sports. “You will never know until you try,” she exclaimed, urging more women to join and emphasizing that support for newcomers is readily available.
Qionibaravi’s remarkable story comes at a pivotal time, as Fiji prepares to host the 2026 Oceania Regional Championship. She hopes her participation this year will motivate other women to also pursue powerlifting, envisioning a future where more females wear the national colors in competitions.
In addition to her role in encouraging female athletes, Qionibaravi has already made a mark in the sport by setting significant performance benchmarks. This includes her participation in several national events, and her determination has certainly contributed to the growing representation and acknowledgment of women in Fiji’s powerlifting scene.
The powerlifting community in Fiji is undergoing an exciting transformation, with the number of female competitors increasing and barriers being broken. Just recently, during the National Powerlifting Championship, a notable rise in female participation was recorded, highlighting a trend towards inclusivity and empowerment in typically male-dominated sports.
Qionibaravi’s journey mirrors that of other Fijian female athletes who are stepping up in strength sports, further stimulating interest and participation at all levels. With her eyes set on achieving success in the upcoming championship, she embodies the spirit of perseverance and inspiration that can uplift entire communities. Like other rising stars in the sport such as Mereia Clariss Talei Turaganivalu, Qionibaravi’s career serves not only to showcase personal achievements but also to inspire future generations of female athletes in Fiji and beyond.