Sixteen-year-old Nehemiah Elder excels at the 2025 IWF Youth and Junior Championships in Lima, Peru, winning three gold medals. Competing in the 89 kg A Division, he registered lifts of 152 kg in the snatch and 180 kg in the clean and jerk. Elder’s father and coach highlighted the potential for weightlifting in Fiji, especially among youth traditionally interested in rugby.
Nehemiah Elder, a 16-year-old weightlifter from Fiji, overcame his nerves to achieve remarkable success at the 2025 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Youth and Junior Championships held in Lima, Peru. This event, concluding today, featured approximately 500 young lifters from around 85 nations over six intensive days, with 26 sessions conducted across two platforms.
Elder, representing the 89 kilograms A Division, emerged victorious, claiming three gold medals. Notably, he was the sole under-17 competitor in a highly competitive field. He successfully lifted 152 kg in the snatch and 180 kg in the clean and jerk, totaling 322 kg—equally winning gold in each category. Although he narrowly missed a final lift of 188 kg, his cumulative total marked a substantial improvement of 70 kg since his last IWF competition held 14 months prior.
Having trained in both Samoa and Australia, Elder has made significant strides in his lifting career, previously hitting 142 kg in the snatch and 175 kg in the clean and jerk at a Brisbane invitational. “I had a lot of nerves here because it’s by far the biggest competition I’ve been to, but I really enjoyed it,” he stated in a post-competition interview with IWF media.
Elder’s father and coach, Henry Elder, recognized this achievement as a testament to Fiji’s potential in the weightlifting sport. He expressed optimism about the untapped talent in Fiji, particularly among the youth. “There are so many kids with the physique and explosive power, a lot of them on farms,” he remarked, emphasizing the need to attract young athletes to weightlifting instead of their typical focus on rugby.
As for Nehemiah, he remains focused on his journey. “I’ll just do whatever my coach tells me like I always do,” he confirmed, outlining his commitment to following his coach’s guidance as he continues to train and develop his skills in the sport. With dedication and the support of his family, Elder represents the bright future of Fiji in international weightlifting competition.
Nehemiah Elder achieved a remarkable milestone for Fiji at the 2025 IWF Championships, securing three gold medals and significantly improving his personal bests. His success spotlights Fiji’s potential in weightlifting, as noted by his coach and father, Henry Elder. With a clear path ahead, Elder plans to continue training diligently under his father’s guidance, aiming for further accomplishments in the sport and encouraging other young athletes to consider weightlifting as a viable sport.
Original Source: www.fijitimes.com.fj
