Thirty lifters participated in the Weightlifting Fiji trials at the National Fitness Centre at Laucala Bay, Suva, today.

Eight of the weightlifters were female.

Weightlifting Fiji head coach Henry Elder said this was a great turnout leading up to the Commonwealth

Championship in India from July 11-17, October’s Oceania Under-23 and Junior Championship in Samoa followed by Honiara Pacific Games, Solomon Islands in November.

“It was exciting that a lot of young lifters turned up,” Elder said.

“A few of them lifted well and challenged the junior lifters in the top three for the Commonwealth championship. Our future looks very exciting,” he added.

A new club from Serua was unable to make it however, Elder said they also have some promising young lifters.

The youngest participant was a 10-year-old.

Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Taniela Rainibogi pulled out of the trials due to a shin infection and could not lift to his full potential.

“We’re optimistic of our chances in the Commonwealth championship and the Oceania junior champs,” Elder said.

Story By: Sereana Salalo

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj