Lifters target medals

The national weightlifting team is aiming to finish its Commonwealth Games campaign in Glasgow, Scotland, with a podium finish.

Weightlifting duo Taniela Rainibogi and Apakuki Wakanibau have been selected to represent Fiji at the Commonwealth Games from July 23 to August 2.

National coach Henry Elder said yesterday the team had experienced a setback in its preparations after Rainibogi suffered an injury.

“It set him (Rainibogi) back a bit, and it’s an old injury, but I’m satisfied with his progress so far,” he said.

“I’m pretty optimistic about a good build-up towards the Commonwealth Games in the final four weeks.”

Elder is confident his team can produce a strong performance in Glasgow.

“Anything can happen on the day. Regardless of what rank you are, if we play our cards right, we’ll get another podium finish for Weightlifting Fiji,” he said.

“We’d like to keep that record intact.”

Weightlifting Fiji has enjoyed consistent success at previous Commonwealth Games.

Apolonia Vaivai won bronze in the women's competition with a total lift of 209kg at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

At the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Fiji won gold through Eileen Cikamatana, who lifted 103kg in the snatch and 130kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 233kg. Vaivai also claimed bronze in the women's 69kg category.

Rainibogi lifted a total of 343kg to claim bronze in the men's 96kg event at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.

“This time around we are trying to better the bronze. Hopefully, we get a silver or even gold,” Elder said.

“Anything is possible on the day.”

Elder said the setback had motivated Rainibogi to work even harder.

“In the last couple of days, his morale has been really high and he has been very energetic in his training,” he said.

“He’s (Rainibogi) more vocal, and we’re happy with that progress so far.”

Elder said Wakanibau's goal in his Commonwealth Games debut was to achieve a personal best.

“For Apakuki to go out and attempt his personal best is an achievement in itself,” he said.

“In weightlifting, we don’t go through preliminary rounds or semi-finals. We qualify straight into the final.”

Elder acknowledged the Fiji National Sports Commission (FNSC) for its continued support under chief executive officer Peter Mazey.

“We would also like to thank the families of all the athletes who continue to support them throughout this journey,” he said.

“We wish everybody else in Team Fiji the very best.”

Elder said the team competes for God and country.

“It’s the greatest motivation for us to do our best for our country and, at the same time, glorify God through our performances,” he said.

Elder also wished the Flying Fijians rugby team the best for the inaugural Nations Championship in Europe.

“We need your support and prayers for our team as we travel to Glasgow this year," he added.